Philadelphia City Council honors GHS 175th Anniversary

Celebrating Our Demisemiseptcentennial Throughout the Year

Representatives from the Philadelphia High School for Girls and the Alumnae Association of the Philadelphia High School for Girls attended the first City Council of the year to witness the adoption of a resolution honoring our Alma Mater's 175th anniversary on the 26th of January, 2023.

City Council Recognized the Philadelphia High School for Girls

The resolution was sponsored and presented by alumna Katherine Gilmore Richardson (2001/245), Council Member At Large. During her speech, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson referenced many of our distinguished graduates and highlighted Stephanie Marsh (1981/225), Senior Attorney for Legislative and Governmental Affairs, and Kyra L Harris (2008/252), Director of Communications for Councilmember Sharon Vaughn, who work in city government.

During public commentary, Dr. Constance E. Clayton (January 1952/182), former Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, shared how GHS shaped her life. Lisa Mesi, 20th Principal of the Philadelphia High School for Girls introduced senior Saige Charles (267). Saige spoke eloquently about what Girls' High means to her. Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer (1980/224) completed the remarks of the GHS contingent.

Girls’ High alumna, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson honored our Alma Mater in City Council. Read more.

Complete video of Philadelphia City Council Meeting 1.26.23

On February 1st, the actual anniversary of our school's founding, the school hosted an in-house celebration. The entire celebration, created and executed by her students, was a blast of a party!

The celebration continues all year!

  • March 17th - Career Day Sign up
  • March 31st - Museum Day 2023 Sign-up
  • April 15th - Clean-up/Spruce-up Campus Day
  • May 12th - Demi-Semi Food and Fun Day (food trucks, vendors, and games)
  • June 9th - Commencement with Alumnae Procession
  • Summer 2023 - Combined Alumnae/PHSG Book Club
  • The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, by Alumna Ayana Mathis Q & A with Author
  • Fall 2023 - Art Show & Curated Exhibit of 175 years of excellence
  • Grand Re-opening of the remolded Marilyn Newby Cooper Public Archives Room, Fall 2023

Alumnae participation is welcomed and encouraged!

As the individual events draw closer, more information will be shared via email blast and on our social media platforms.

AAPHSG 175th Timeline