A Central Tech Testimonial from High School Sweethearts
As the League advocates for the future of Syracuse Central Tech through our Seven to Save program, we wanted to reach out to alumni who had firsthand experience with this special place. Paul and Kathy Zory were kind enough to share several photos along with the following note expressing their support for revitalizing the historic building. The Zorys attended Syracuse Central Tech in the 1960s and as Paul put it, “Central is special to us anyway because we were high school sweethearts who have been married for 47 years!”
An archival postcard showing the Central Tech school building with the caption ”New High School, Syracuse, NY.” Date unknown, from the collection of Paul and Kathy Zory.
The site of the former Central Tech is so important in many ways. It was designed by our own Syracuse architect Archimedes Russell. He was responsible for the design of many famous buildings, some which have sadly been demolished including the spectacular Yates Hotel in our own community. Central Tech is a gem worth saving because of its unique features both inside and out. It would be a shame to lose another wonderful architectural structure.
The Lincoln Auditorium is second to none for its acoustical properties. Many famous artists of their time performed there and it was home to the Syracuse Symphony for many years. As graduates of Central Tech, we had the pleasure of performing in Lincoln Auditorium as chorus members.
Photos showing the Lincoln Auditorium inside Central Tech. From left to right: a black and white photo showing the chorus performing on stage; a black and white photo of a team meeting with students in the seats and a coach addressing the crowd from the stage; a scanned newspaper clipping showing a color photograph of the auditorium’s balcony. Courtesy of Paul and Kathy Zory.
We are enthusiastic in our support of transforming the building into a state of the art STEAM school. Students from all over the city and county will once again be able to take classes that will give them an edge in their future studies and careers. We are especially pleased that the Performing Arts are being added and that the students will have the opportunity to perform once again in Lincoln Auditorium. It is so important to have the Arts here because now many talented performers must wait until college or leave the area and study at Performing Arts schools elsewhere. The whole STEAM curriculum will benefit from collaboration with our many surrounding universities, colleges and businesses.
We created many memories and lasting friendships during our time at Central Tech. We hope future generations will have the same opportunity.
Paul & Kathy Zory
Class of 1969