Press Release:
Construction is now underway on the soon-to-be Ash Carter Courtyard at Abington Senior High School, where a groundbreaking event took place yesterday with representatives from Abington School District and the project’s fundraisers, the Abington Educational Foundation (AEF) and the Friends of Ash Carter AHS ’72.
The Friends of Ash Carter AHS ’72 (FOA) is a group of alumni from the Class of 1972, who were classmates of the late Ash Carter (1954-2022), a lifelong scientist, educator, and civilian military leader who rose to become U.S. Secretary of Defense from 2015 to 2017. Over the past year, the alumni group has raised the money to build the Ash Carter Courtyard, including all materials and installation work. As the non-profit organization supporting the Abington School District, AEF partnered with the FOA to hold the funds until the project could begin, with the donation being approved by the Abington School District Board of School Directors earlier this year.
With its curated greenspace and custom-made infinity sculpture – reflecting the potential of an Abington education and invoking Carter’s boundless curiosity – the 4,000-square-foot Courtyard will be a welcoming place to gather for students, teachers, staff members and visitors at Abington Senior High School.
“Yesterday, we took a major step toward finally bringing our years of planning and design to life when we put shovels in the ground to begin construction on this project that honors the life and legacy of our dear friend and civil servant, Ash Carter,” said Steve Kahn, the AHS Class of ’72 member who was a lifelong friend of Carter and led the volunteer efforts to build the courtyard. “We look forward to seeing our vision come to fruition, and for students to have the opportunity to enjoy this new and inviting space come this fall. We are very grateful to the hundreds of donors who made this idea a reality.”
The Ash Carter Courtyard was designed by Architerra PC, with construction work being performed by T. Schiefer Contractors, Inc., who was awarded the project through a public bid. The courtyard will be completed by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, with a dedication ceremony being planned for early this fall.
For more information about the Ash Carter Courtyard, please visit the AEF website.
About Friends of Ash Carter AHS ’72
Friends of Ash Carter AHS ’72 is an informal group of 1972 alumni of Abington High School who maintained close bonds with Ash Carter throughout his lifetime. Members of this unincorporated volunteer group live in communities around the country, with lives and careers spanning a wide range of pursuits and professions. Group members want to keep Ash Carter’s legacy of leadership alive while recognizing the contribution of Abington School District public schools to the success of Carter, group members, and all Abington Senior High School graduates.
About the Abington Educational Foundation (AEF)
The Abington Educational Foundation (AEF), established in 1992, is a non-profit organization that provides funding to enhance educational opportunities for approximately 8,000 students and their families served by the Abington School District (ASD). ASD – with its exceptional administration, staff, and teachers – is a source of tremendous pride in the community and a unifying social force. In ASD classrooms, children of all races, religions, economic backgrounds, and academic abilities come together to learn and reach their fullest potential. One of about 200 Pennsylvania education foundations, AEF is committed to ensuring ASD students receive the educational opportunities that charitable investment can provide.
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Photos: ASD