DoingItLocal

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 — 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!”