Dr. Joel Porter ’59
JOEL PORTER, MD CLASS OF JANUARY 1959
Joel Porter, MD, a proud graduate of SPHS, Class of January 1959, graduated 2nd in his class of approximately 300 and received a $300. SPHS prize at graduation. He attended Temple University, College of Liberal Arts, on a half-paid scholarship from the Philadelphia Board of Education, majoring in Mathematics graduating in June, 1962.
Joel was accepted to all 3 medical schools in Philadelphia and chose to attend the School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania where he was again given Scholarship Aid, 1962-1966. Thereafter, he interned in San Francisco at the Presbyterian Medical Center and did his Residency in Ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia from 1967-1970. After spending 1970-1971 teaching at Temple University Hospital, his wife, Roberta Spector Porter and Dr. Porter, moved to San Francisco where he was hired as an Ophthalmologist for Kaiser Hospitals.
After the birth of their second son in 1980, they returned to the Philadelphia area, establishing an Ophthalmology Practice in the growing area of Marlton, NJ.
Joel retired from practice in 2006 and has been volunteering ever since at Wills Eye Hospital teaching Pediatric Ophthalmology to 3rd year medical students at Jefferson Medical School.
Michael Seidman ’60
Michael Seidman, Former Assistant DA – Class of January 1960
After graduating from Southern in January of 1960 Mike enrolled at Penn State where he graduated in December 1963. He had already been accepted into Temple Law School’s class starting in September of 1964 and so Mike became a long-term substitute teacher at BOK.
Mike started his legal career working for an attorney with offices at 15th and Snyder Avenue. The opportunity arose to become an Assistant District Attorney under then DA Arlen Specter. Mike spent 4 years in the DA’s office becoming a member of the Major Trials Unit while also becoming Chief of the Obscenity Division where he was active in the pursuit of helping change the Pennsylvania statute on the law as it then existed.
After leaving the DA’s office, he entered the private practice of law concentrating on criminal defense. Mike practiced law for over 30 years until retiring but he continued consulting after retiring and kept as active as he could to keep himself immersed in the work that he loved.
In 1997 Mike wrote a novel entitled A Different Point of View which followed the trajectory of his life: growing up on Passyunk Avenue to his career as an attorney, a career-ending trauma following an accident and his subsequent recovery. He self-published the novel in 2003.
Upon turning 75, Mike realized that he needed to do something to maintain his ability to concentrate and keep his brain active. So, he decided to take up acting so that he would have to memorize lines and interact with others. Mike first appeared as a Roman Cardinal in a documentary that appeared on CNN having to do with the Papacy during the 12th century. He has appeared in a number of short film projects for film school students in the colleges in our area and has also appeared in a number of feature length films for some of the independent film makers in Philadelphia and was an extra in 2 major motion pictures as well as appearing in an internet commercial for AARP. Mike continues to apply for roles and commercials to keep active. He is happy to say that he is ecstatic about his senior citizen status and life with Harriet. He lives only 14 blocks north of where he was born and raised.
Carlos Alvarez ’66
CARLOS ALVAREZ, ENTERTAINER CLASS OF 1966
Carlos Alvarez, known by his stage name King Arthur, was born in Puerto Rico, raised in South Philadelphia, and is known all over the Philadelphia area as the “King of DooWop.” Carlos fell in love with music at an early age and by the time he was 14 years old, held his first record hop at the local YMCA for the neighborhood kids. From that moment, Carlos knew music would be his life’s work and embarked on his journey to become a powerful force in the industry. Carlos and Janet, his beautiful wife of 56 years, met on the steps of South Phila High. Carlos also played on Southern’s Football team, The Southern Rams, who won the 1965 Public League City Champs. He adopted the name of King Arthur, of the Camelot legend, who ruled over his knights of the round table the way a DJ rules over his turntable.
It was only natural that Carlos turned to radio to share the music he loved so much with as many people as possible. His radio career began on WCAM, AM radio 1310, also known as the “Tower of Power”; a mixture of music and talk in Camden, New Jersey. His love for music only continued to grow. In the late 60’s, Carlos had the opportunity to branch out into music management and was the manager of several vocal groups; namely, a blue-eyed soul group by the name of The Destinations. Their hit song, “I Can’t Leave You,” on King’s record company label, Ando Records, is still a top Northern Soul collectible. Carlos continued managing and producing over the years and, along the way, formed a mobile DJ business that still thrives.
He has interviewed many legendary artists such as Johnny Maestro of The Crests and The Brooklyn Bridge, Larry Chance of The Earls, Little Isidore of Little Isidore and The Inquisitors, Vito Picone of Vito Picone and The Elegants, John Kuse and The Excellence, Terry Johnson of The Flamingos, William “Pudgie” Hart of The Delfonics, Jimmy Beaumont of The Skyliners, Jimmy Merchant of Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, and Willie Winfield of The Harptones
Early in the 70’s on Channel 3, Carlos was known as the “Fan Man” representing the average man in segments on the Rod Luck show. He also had a cameo appearance in the movie, “Birdie,” with Nicholas Cage and Rocky. Carlos even modeled Santa Claus in an Askin Modeling Agency magazine campaign in the New Market, Philadelphia PA. He has hosted and emceed countless shows and concerts in the tri-state area at casinos, dinner theaters, private events, and venues. After being contacted by Congressman Bob Brady, an avid DooWop fan, Carlos has had the honor of playing for Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors, Mayors and more.
His recent awards include 2023 Georgie Woods Foundation Pioneer Award; Oldies Radio Hall of Fame; National, Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, 2024: featured in a book written by Abraham J Santiago called “Puerto Rican Contribution to Rhythm and Blues Vocal Group Harmony and Beyond, 2025: Citation from the City of Philadelphia for Lifetime Achievement and on November 6th 2025:will be honored with a Blue Sapphire Music Entertainment Award.by Row Home Magazine. In the rare moments he isn’t found in his studio, Carlos and Janet own and operate Cedrone’s Flowers at 8th & Lombard Streets.
