Bridgeport Public Schools Celebrates 53 AP Scholars at Central High School Ceremony

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Central High School celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of its students during the 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars Awards Ceremony. The event recognized students who excelled in some of the nation’s most rigorous college level high school courses, demonstrating determination, discipline, and a strong commitment to academic excellence.

Students earned distinctions across a wide range of challenging AP subjects, including AP African American Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, English Language and Literature, Physics, Psychology, U.S. History, and World History. These courses demand intensive study, critical thinking, and mastery of complex material, skills that prepare students for success in higher education and beyond.

“Today, we were able to celebrate and recognize academic excellence at Central,” said Principal Eric Graf. “We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of these students and are very appreciative of all the teachers, families, and community members who have helped the students along the way.”

A total of 186 students earned passing scores on AP exams, including 53 students recognized as official AP Scholars for earning scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams. Among them, 11 students achieved AP Scholar with Distinction, 5 students earned AP Scholar with Honor, and 133 students received AP Honorable Mention for passing one or two exams.

“Today’s recognition highlights not just academic success, but the dedication, resilience, and drive of our students,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “Each AP Scholar represents the potential of Bridgeport Public Schools and the power of hard work supported by great teaching and family partnership.”

Bridgeport Public Schools congratulates all 2025 AP Scholars for their remarkable achievements and applauds Central High School’s continued commitment to providing students with rigorous academic opportunities that inspire excellence and open doors to future success.

Bridgeport Breaks Ground on New Marriott Hotel

BRIDGEPORT — A new Marriott Hotel is set to rise along Bridgeport’s waterfront, marking another major step forward in the city’s ongoing economic revitalization.

Mayor Joe Ganim praised the project at the groundbreaking ceremony, calling it “a fitting addition — only the best for Bridgeport.” He spoke about how the city’s transformation has accelerated in recent years, citing “urban revitalization, job creation, environmental improvement, and new housing,” all now joined by a state-of-the-art 140-room Marriott.

“This neighborhood means everything to people like me,” Councilwoman Aidee Nieves said. “I was born and raised right here on this corner, right down the street. For lifelong East End residents like Maria, Via, and Frank, this is a dream come true — a transformative project that opens up our waterfront, gives families a beautiful place to stay, and shows that Bridgeport is moving forward.”

Governor Lamont highlighted how far the city has come, referencing the removal of the old power plant to make way for new housing and retail, as well as multiple new schools now under construction. “There’s so much happening,” he said. “And we’re just getting started.”

Ganim closed with a laugh, flashing his Marriott card and joking, “I don’t know if the governor’s got one — if he does, he’s got a bigger credit line than mine — but I got a Marriott card!”

Bridgeport Man Charged in Violent Sexual Assault of Teenage Student

Bridgeport Police have arrested 28-year-old Cordero Javier Greaves of Bridgeport for violently sexually assaulting a teenage girl on her way to school this morning. Detectives from the Special Victims Unit, with help from Task Force and Patrol Officers, located and arrested Greaves at his residence around 1:00 p.m. The School Resource Unit also assisted in the investigation. The arrest took place without incident near Railroad Avenue, where the assault occurred.

Greaves faces multiple charges including Sexual Assault in the First Degree, Risk of Injury to a Minor, Illegal Sexual Contact with a Person Under 16, Unlawful Restraint, and Threatening. His bond was set at $750,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Davon Polite at (203) 581-5249.

MAYOR GANIM AND THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT ANNOUNCE THE BRIDGEPORT PROMISE PROGRAM

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Mayor Ganim and the Bridgeport Board of Education have announced the launch of the Bridgeport Promise Program, a transformative new scholarship initiative designed to make college more accessible for Bridgeport students. Supported by the City of Bridgeport and key higher education partners, the program will provide qualifying graduates with financial assistance to attend participating colleges and universities across Connecticut.

“When you’re talking about education, you’re talking about almost every young person in the whole city.” said Mayor Ganim. “This is why the Bridgeport Promise Program is set to commit four years of funding for Bridgeport students who qualify for financial assistance for higher education. With Superintendent Dr. Avery’s leadership, we’ve been able to accomplish a significant milestone with this program. As this launch has proven to be a celebratory and tender moment for many, this will hopefully go into the legacy category of things we do in this city.”

Bridgeport Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery emphasized that the program’s success relies on collaboration and belief in Bridgeport’s youth. “The Bridgeport Promise program is built on the partnership, equity and belief that our kids have the potential to succeed. For four consecutive years Bridgeport students will receive the support they need to achieve their goals towards pursuing higher education. We’re grateful for this launch and we’re asking for the continued support of all our community partners and leaders for this program to work effectively for our students.”

The Bridgeport Promise Program already includes partnerships with several leading institutions. The University of New Haven has pledged a 50% tuition discount for all students entering through the Bridgeport Promise Program, while the University of Connecticut has committed to providing a minimum of $5,000 in scholarship support each year to every student enrolled through the initiative.

City Council President Aidee Nieves reflected on the programs personal and community impact. “When I first became City Council President, one of the most significant changes I wanted to bring to Bridgeport was a program that would set our students up for success while alleviating some of the financial burden Bridgeport parents experience by enrolling their children in higher education. I get emotional thinking about today’s launch because I know so many families, mothers, and children that want to finish their education but don’t know where to go. However, the Bridgeport Promise Program will have a lasting impact on the future of our children as we will commit ourselves to the future leaders and residents that help our communities thrive.”

Faith Villegas Executive Director of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund echoed the significance of community collaboration. “We are now at a critical point where our community and collegiate partners are transforming and redefining what it means to live, learn, and lead in the City of Bridgeport. Let’s continue the conversation and continue to build upon the great things happening in this City so we can transform the narrative. We want to make sure that every student understands they can have pride in being a Bridgeport Public School student, along with being a citizen in our community.”

The City of Bridgeport and the Board of Education will continue to expand the program by developing additional partnerships with colleges and universities across the state. The initiative aims to strengthen Bridgeport’s commitment to education, opportunity and community advancement for generations to come.

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