Four members of the Masterman boys varsity soccer team were on a team that won the PA state cup!5/17/2026
The Philadelphia International 2010 Boys Elite team won the final game for the PA State Cup Soccer Championship! Congratulations! The team members from Masterman are, pictured L-R: |
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Congrats to 11th grader Hannah Phun, who's art was selected by Congress member Brendan Boyle to be displayed in the US Capitol Building for an entire year for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition!
This is a HUGE honor, and we are so proud of her. Hannah also won the "America 250" award. Here is the description of her painting: This painting depicts a founding father writing at his desk. Pinned to his wall is the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Now that the United States has been liberated, what are the next steps? On his shelf lies books that describe present America. "Liberty," "Independence," "Pride," ideals this father hopes to achieve when drafting a document that could be foundational for generations ahead. Beyond his window lies a section of that nation 250 years later. A nation that he and many other founding fathers hoped to achieve: An independent, democratic, diverse land.
This is a HUGE honor, and we are so proud of her. Hannah also won the "America 250" award. Here is the description of her painting: This painting depicts a founding father writing at his desk. Pinned to his wall is the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Now that the United States has been liberated, what are the next steps? On his shelf lies books that describe present America. "Liberty," "Independence," "Pride," ideals this father hopes to achieve when drafting a document that could be foundational for generations ahead. Beyond his window lies a section of that nation 250 years later. A nation that he and many other founding fathers hoped to achieve: An independent, democratic, diverse land.
Congrats to 12th grader Taylor Samara-Reuter for ALSO being selected for the US Congressional Art Competition. Congress member Brendan Boyle also selected her painting "Grumblethorpe" to be displayed in the Capitol Building.
This is one of the most competitive art competitions in the USA, and we are so proud!! Here is her artist statement: “Grumblethorpe” was inspired by the historical house of Grumblethorpe in Germantown, Philadelphia. It depicts the view of the house from the garden in the back, where the artist has been volunteering for four years to help feed the community through freshly harvested produce. This painting captures the vibrancy of the foliage enveloping the house and the magic of having a garden hidden within an urban neighborhood, shown through the surreal
purple and teal sky. Intricate detail work on every textured surface, from leaves to bricks, draws the eye to explore the scene in the same way you can physically explore the garden. This work is part of a series exploring the emotional connection between the artist and various places she’s been.
This is one of the most competitive art competitions in the USA, and we are so proud!! Here is her artist statement: “Grumblethorpe” was inspired by the historical house of Grumblethorpe in Germantown, Philadelphia. It depicts the view of the house from the garden in the back, where the artist has been volunteering for four years to help feed the community through freshly harvested produce. This painting captures the vibrancy of the foliage enveloping the house and the magic of having a garden hidden within an urban neighborhood, shown through the surreal
purple and teal sky. Intricate detail work on every textured surface, from leaves to bricks, draws the eye to explore the scene in the same way you can physically explore the garden. This work is part of a series exploring the emotional connection between the artist and various places she’s been.
The All-City High School Jazz Fest was Wednesday evening at Cherry Street Pier.
Masterman's band played a program of varied genres to a cheering crowd.
Soloists included Luca Vitiello, Yoel Figueroa and Tre Smith. The evening concluded with the All-City Jazz Band, made up of students from all of the schools and conducted by renowned trumpeter Terrell Stafford; Micah Neale and Luca Vitiello made us proud as members of this all-star ensemble.
Click here to view the evening's program
Masterman's band played a program of varied genres to a cheering crowd.
Soloists included Luca Vitiello, Yoel Figueroa and Tre Smith. The evening concluded with the All-City Jazz Band, made up of students from all of the schools and conducted by renowned trumpeter Terrell Stafford; Micah Neale and Luca Vitiello made us proud as members of this all-star ensemble.
Click here to view the evening's program
Below is a video excerpt of the bands performance!
Congratulations to Masterman's National History Day team! We are proud of their strong research
and beautiful projects! The 19 person academic team competed at NHD States at the University of
Scranton this weekend.
Our results were the following:
First place Group Performance: Leila Golzari-Hunt, N'Yahme Joslyn, Olivia Kang, Eliana
Kelberg-Gross, Sophia Plastaras
One Voice, One America: How Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial Performance Set a Precedent for
Reform
Second place Group Documentary: Eoin Daly, Owen Kuster, Corinne Xu
From “Miniature Adults” to Pediatric Patients: How the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Revolutionized and Reformed American Pediatric Healthcare
4th place Individual Performance: Halimah Fasasi
“All the Women Are White, All the Blacks Are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave”: How the Combahee
River Collective Revolutionized Black Feminism
4th place Group Website: Haley Lau and Tania Wasim
Virginia Alexander: American Pioneer of Racial Justice and Public Health
6th place Individual Exhibit: Mason Seder
“We Didn’t Have Nothing to Lose”: How the Sonderkommando Revolt Defined Resistance in
Reaction to the Atrocities of the Holocaust
The first and second place projects have qualified to compete at Nationals in June!
and beautiful projects! The 19 person academic team competed at NHD States at the University of
Scranton this weekend.
Our results were the following:
First place Group Performance: Leila Golzari-Hunt, N'Yahme Joslyn, Olivia Kang, Eliana
Kelberg-Gross, Sophia Plastaras
One Voice, One America: How Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial Performance Set a Precedent for
Reform
Second place Group Documentary: Eoin Daly, Owen Kuster, Corinne Xu
From “Miniature Adults” to Pediatric Patients: How the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Revolutionized and Reformed American Pediatric Healthcare
4th place Individual Performance: Halimah Fasasi
“All the Women Are White, All the Blacks Are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave”: How the Combahee
River Collective Revolutionized Black Feminism
4th place Group Website: Haley Lau and Tania Wasim
Virginia Alexander: American Pioneer of Racial Justice and Public Health
6th place Individual Exhibit: Mason Seder
“We Didn’t Have Nothing to Lose”: How the Sonderkommando Revolt Defined Resistance in
Reaction to the Atrocities of the Holocaust
The first and second place projects have qualified to compete at Nationals in June!
Students in the choirs, orchestras and bands have been working hard to prepare a beautiful program of music. We hope that you will be able to join us for this exciting concert featuring musicians from 5th through 12th grade!
Date:
Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Tickets:
Tickets will be sold at the door for $6 each. This admission fee helps to cover the cost of sheet music, instrument repair, piano moves, etc. It is not necessary to purchase tickets in advance but those who wish to will be able to do so via schoolcash.
Families who are unable to pay the $6 ticket fee should please contact Mrs. Neu at [email protected] and we will provide tickets for you.
Full Spring Concert Details located here:
docs.google.com/document/d/1dv6T2-VC9yeloIa163ly4gPjIlJ7nzD7wbUarvy0b6A/edit?usp=sharing
Date:
Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Tickets:
Tickets will be sold at the door for $6 each. This admission fee helps to cover the cost of sheet music, instrument repair, piano moves, etc. It is not necessary to purchase tickets in advance but those who wish to will be able to do so via schoolcash.
Families who are unable to pay the $6 ticket fee should please contact Mrs. Neu at [email protected] and we will provide tickets for you.
Full Spring Concert Details located here:
docs.google.com/document/d/1dv6T2-VC9yeloIa163ly4gPjIlJ7nzD7wbUarvy0b6A/edit?usp=sharing
Masterman's School Advisory Council (SAC) has exciting updates to share with our community!
May SAC Meeting:
Join us for the May SAC meeting on Wednesday, May 6th at 6:00 PM.
We'd love to see you there — all community members are welcome! Join here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89602803975?pwd=UW5qcWx4RThIVTNEZHJFQy9Qd295dz09
SAC Election Update:
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted their name to be on the SAC ballot — your willingness to serve our school community means so much!
Here's what's coming next in the election process:
In the spirit of election season, we encourage every community member to participate and cast their vote when the ballot arrives.
Your voice shapes the future of Masterman!
May SAC Meeting:
Join us for the May SAC meeting on Wednesday, May 6th at 6:00 PM.
We'd love to see you there — all community members are welcome! Join here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89602803975?pwd=UW5qcWx4RThIVTNEZHJFQy9Qd295dz09
SAC Election Update:
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted their name to be on the SAC ballot — your willingness to serve our school community means so much!
Here's what's coming next in the election process:
- May 7 — The ballot will be shared with the Masterman community
- May 21 — Voting closes
In the spirit of election season, we encourage every community member to participate and cast their vote when the ballot arrives.
Your voice shapes the future of Masterman!
The Middle School Mock Trial Club presented the case of The State v Aaron Burr to Justice Kevin Dougherty in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on March 7. Students from Section 5-3 served as the jury.
Several members of the club also served on a student panel discussion at the Constitution Center at a gala event to honor The Rendell Center on April 30.
Several members of the club also served on a student panel discussion at the Constitution Center at a gala event to honor The Rendell Center on April 30.
This Sunday, the streets of Philadelphia were filled with energy, and our school will be right in the heart of it! We are incredibly proud to announce that a massive group of our students and staff mentors from Students Run Philly Style took on the 10-mile Broad Street Run.
These dedicated runners have spent months training—braving the early mornings and staying after school—to prepare for this iconic Philly tradition. Join us in cheering on this incredible list of athletes:
Students:
These dedicated runners have spent months training—braving the early mornings and staying after school—to prepare for this iconic Philly tradition. Join us in cheering on this incredible list of athletes:
Students:
| Alexander Zhao Alianny Zapata Angel Chen Anna Poletto Anna Manotham Antonio Rampolla Aydin Ergin Bohiedana Chepysheva Brenden Wei Charlotte O'Connell Chase Burnett Christy Zhang Claire Lin Eamon Baillie Eislin Davis Emma Solomon Grace O'Connell | Griffin Batchis Guang-Yue Su Harry Renfro Isaac Aguirre Jacqueline Wilson Jason Chen Jessica Jesteen John Yang Jonathan Schick Kayla Kelberg-Gross Leia Wilder Leland Bullaughey Lesnid Bowen Malaya Rebusora Matylda Wojtas Micah Neale Miles Sadler Noah Soskin | Nora Heiskell Olivia Ryerson Owen Fox Raviv Weiner Ruiying Zheng Sabrina Leong Shuqing Li Sophia Plastaras Sophia Kalule Srinithi Uppalapati Vania Tang Vincent Manzi Viven Chen Vivienne Plastaras Wyatt Ross Xiyan Lin Zoe Soskin |
A huge thank you to our staff and volunteer mentors who have run every mile alongside our students:
Running Leaders:
Running Leaders:
| Ashley Nash Chloe Jones Fredelyne Jajoute Jacob Fisher Jessica Waber | LeeAnne Fox-Jones Patricia Neale Rachel Wu Riley Kendle Sarah Cooperman | Si Xue Lin Steve Gilligan Steve Rauscher Thomas O'Connell |
Congratulations to all our participants. We can’t wait to see those medals on Monday! Go Runners!
Students had a local author, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, share her inspirational story to Spanish classes. At the end of her presentation she donated all her books to the school library!
On behalf of the Language Department we want to show our gratitude to the HSA for sponsoring this great opportunity for students.
On behalf of the Language Department we want to show our gratitude to the HSA for sponsoring this great opportunity for students.
Our auction would not have been the same last weekend without the beautiful performances of some musically talented students.
We lucky enough to hear from:
The Masterman Jazz Combo
Tre Smith, Alto Sax (8th grade)
Eamon Hellyer, Trumpet (8th grade)
Yoel Figueroa, Tenor Sax (9th grade)
Quintin Harrison, Drums (9th grade)
Luca Vitiello, Guitar and Bass (10th grade)
The combo will be performing next for a special luncheon at the school district building on May 20th.
And the full jazz band played at the All-City Jazz Fest at Cherry Street Pier on April 29.
The Masterman Strings
Alison Samuel, Violin (10th grade)
Julia May, Violin (10th grade)
Alison and Julia are a part of a larger group. a string quartet of which the violist and cellist were at NHD States during the auction. That quartet has also played at school district events.
Huge thanks to these students and to our indefatigable Ms. Neu, who organized and assisted to make it all possible.
We lucky enough to hear from:
The Masterman Jazz Combo
Tre Smith, Alto Sax (8th grade)
Eamon Hellyer, Trumpet (8th grade)
Yoel Figueroa, Tenor Sax (9th grade)
Quintin Harrison, Drums (9th grade)
Luca Vitiello, Guitar and Bass (10th grade)
The combo will be performing next for a special luncheon at the school district building on May 20th.
And the full jazz band played at the All-City Jazz Fest at Cherry Street Pier on April 29.
The Masterman Strings
Alison Samuel, Violin (10th grade)
Julia May, Violin (10th grade)
Alison and Julia are a part of a larger group. a string quartet of which the violist and cellist were at NHD States during the auction. That quartet has also played at school district events.
Huge thanks to these students and to our indefatigable Ms. Neu, who organized and assisted to make it all possible.
THANK YOU to all the bidders, donors, sponsors, volunteers, student performers, and party-goers who contributed to making our annual spring auction and party our most successful fundraiser in years.
We are amazed and grateful to share that, thanks to our community’s generosity and energy, the HSA took in over $55,000 in the course of this year’s event.
These funds will go directly into our school to support the range of HSA efforts, including extracurriculars, the library, the musical, security, building upgrades, teacher incidentals, classroom books, science lab materials, cultural events, student dances and socials, school-family connections, field trips, special programs and projects, and MORE.
The funds our community provides make it possible for Masterman's amazing staff to go the extra mile and provide the enrichment—academic, cultural, social-emotional, and practical—that all students deserve. (View this short video created by current Masterman senior Joe Faranda highlighting just a few of the many ways our school serves students and the HSA serves our school.)
The biggest shout outs go to Craft Hall, the fantastic venue that made it all possible (and profitable), and to Rebecca Malcolm, the HSA board's fundraising chair and auction committee leader, who made it all happen.
We are all so fortunate to be part of the Masterman community, and to benefit from our shared dedication to excellence in public schools!
We are amazed and grateful to share that, thanks to our community’s generosity and energy, the HSA took in over $55,000 in the course of this year’s event.
These funds will go directly into our school to support the range of HSA efforts, including extracurriculars, the library, the musical, security, building upgrades, teacher incidentals, classroom books, science lab materials, cultural events, student dances and socials, school-family connections, field trips, special programs and projects, and MORE.
- Missed the event or didn’t end up with the winning bid? A short list of great auction items flew under the radar among the 200+ items on offer, and so we have created a short Last Chance Auction with super-low starting bids to help these items find a good home. Check it out and place your max bid before Friday at 8 pm.
- You can also still support the fundraiser by donating directly. An array of themes and donation sizes are visible on the Last Chance Auction page as well.
The funds our community provides make it possible for Masterman's amazing staff to go the extra mile and provide the enrichment—academic, cultural, social-emotional, and practical—that all students deserve. (View this short video created by current Masterman senior Joe Faranda highlighting just a few of the many ways our school serves students and the HSA serves our school.)
The biggest shout outs go to Craft Hall, the fantastic venue that made it all possible (and profitable), and to Rebecca Malcolm, the HSA board's fundraising chair and auction committee leader, who made it all happen.
We are all so fortunate to be part of the Masterman community, and to benefit from our shared dedication to excellence in public schools!
Here are a few shots of the scene at Craft Hall, and check out the photo booth gallery as well!
Julia R. Masterman is celebrating Autism Acceptance Week from April 27 to May 1 to highlight the unique brilliance and diversity within our community.
Each day features a specific dress theme, starting with "Light It Up Red" on Monday and ending with "Masterman Strong" green on Friday, to promote understanding and kindness.
Check out the flyer below for the full schedule.
Each day features a specific dress theme, starting with "Light It Up Red" on Monday and ending with "Masterman Strong" green on Friday, to promote understanding and kindness.
Check out the flyer below for the full schedule.
