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CHS 50th Anniversary

  • CHS archival photo
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  • CHS archival photo (2009)
  • CHS archival photo
  • CHS archival photo

CHS Celebrates 50 Years: 1974-2024

50 years of friends who became family. 50 years of outstanding achievements. 
50 years of Black Knight Nation legacy.

In 2024, Charlottesville High School commemorates its 50th Anniversary with the theme "Golden Memories: Celebrating 50 Years of Friendship, Achievement and Legacy."

Over the course of the 2024-25 school year, Charlottesville City Schools is planning a series of activities and events to celebrate this momentous milestone. In addition, we invite members of the community to host their own events. We envision that there will be something for everyone to enjoy as we reflect on the rich legacy and enduring spirit of Charlottesville High School, from alumni gatherings to special performances, sporting events, and community outreach initiatives.

Whether you're a proud graduate, a dedicated educator, a retiree, or a valued member of our community, your presence and participation are essential in making this celebration truly memorable. 

Let's come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision an even brighter future for our beloved institution. 

How to Participate

  • Attend official CCS-hosted events, which may include homecoming activities, alumni art displays, an alumni dinner, and tours of CHS. See below for the Official Event Calendar. 
  • Host an event open to the public with CCS-affiliated hosts (propose an event that will appear on the Official Event Calendar)
  • Host a private/unofficial event (no matter where you’re located). Examples of this could be private dinner parties for a specific graduate class, or concerts.
  • Donate to the “Sponsor a Senior” Fund

 

Class of ’74-75

CHS 50th Anniversary logo

Official Event Calendar

Commemoration Week

50th Anniversary Commemoration Week will be held April 6-12

CHS Building Tours

Reserve your spot for one of these Saturday tours by filling out this form

  • September 14 at 2pm
  • October 12 at 10am
  • November 9 at 10am
  • December 14 at 2pm
  • January 11 at 10am
  • February 8 at 10am
  • March 8 at 2pm
  • April 12 at 10am
  • May 10 at 10am

CATEC Anniversary

The Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center is also celebrating its 50th anniversary! The CATEC Anniversary Open House will be Saturday, September 28, 10am-1pm.

Sports Events

Alumni Tailgate during Football Games

  • Friday, September 20, 6pm. Theme: Legacy Game for Alumni Football Players
  • Friday, October 11, 6pm. Theme: Homecoming
  • Friday, November 1, 6pm. Theme: Senior Night

Classes can reserve group tickets and a section during any home football game.

Boys Basketball Game Alumni Event

  • Friday December 13, 7:30pm: Boys Varsity Alumni Spirit Section

Fine Arts Activities

Save the Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024. 50th Anniversary CHS Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Alumni Concert

CHS Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Alumni Concert

Saturday, November 16, at 3:30pm, MLKPAC

CHS Directors Will Cooke, Jason Hackworth, and Emily Thomas Waters. Alumni Directors Laura Mulligan Thomas and Vincent J. Tornello

Witness 50 years of Charlottesville High School music in the making! More than 100 alumni will join current students on stage for an afternoon of music, including a premiere of Vince Tornello's new arrangement of the CHS school song. 

Tickets are free!

Online Alumni Art Exhibition
Calling all talented Black Knight alumni artists! As part of our Charlottesville High School 50th anniversary celebration, we invite you to showcase your creativity and contribute to our online art display. Whether you work with paint, photography, sculpture, or digital art, your pieces will help commemorate our school's rich history and vibrant fine arts community. If you would like your artwork to be featured in a special online exhibition, please submit a photo/image of your artwork to Denise Johnson at johnsod2@charlottesvilleschools.org. Please include your first and last name and your graduating class in the email.

  • CHS 2018 band
  • CHS construction
  • CHS 2010
  • CHS alumni sports
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