Scoop’s Views

Sylvester (”Rocky Balboa”) Stallone may be in a position to help his alma mater, the high school that was ready to give him the boot back in the late 60s. That same school, in 1981, awarded him an honorary diploma during the filming of Rocky III, but the footage was never used. While at the school, though, the on-screen boxer was a real-life member of the track team.

Stallone, as Rocky Balboa in a boxing ring, wearing black-and-gold shorts, the school colors of his alma mater, Philadelphia’s Lincoln High School

That school would be Abraham Lincoln High School, here in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. The city where people come to get a hoagie, a cheese steak, and to run up the “Rocky steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I never understood why people would do a quasi-victory dance after their jog up some steps. For Rocky, it was the end of a long run, showing, I suppose, he was ready to win. I guess.

For most running up the steps, though, it should not be considered even a minor victory, but for some, such as those with herniated discs, even a 15-minute trek up the steps should be hailed a major victory. No matter who makes it up the steps these days, as 25 years ago, the infamous “Rocky” statue is back at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, though not at the top of those steps.

All that aside, Rocky’s high school is in serious need of funds for its athletic programs.

While browsing the Lincoln High alumni association’s site, I found a plea from Judy (Arrott) Samuel (Class of ‘69), who, after many years teaching at the school, has apparently become the Athletic Director. If my calculations aren’t too far off, she likely attended school with Stallone, and may well have been on of his classmates.

In her plea, Samuel writes that she has “been trying to maintain the high standard of athletics we have had throughout the years. The budget has been severely reduced and expenses have risen.” Yeah, I know, it’s a common thing everywhere. Education budgets get cut, and seemingly without second thought by legislators sitting in air conditioned offices earning salaries way too out of line with the work they do. Don’t get me started on term limits and “stipends” for elected officials. Just don’t.

Anyway, Judy Samuel, a former teacher of mine, as well, as I, too, attended Lincoln back in the day, is asking for folks interested in helping her run activities to raise much-needed funds for the school. She is hoping to find, perhaps, some alums who were involved in the athletic programs during their time at Lincoln.

“We have wonderful student/athletes at Lincoln and we want to give them every opportunity to succeed.”

You can leave a message for Judy Samuel at 215-335-5690, or email her at Judy Samuel.

Perhaps Sly will come to the aid of his alma mater, pitch in his persona to help raise funds for today’s athlete’s, and give back to the community, and school, he called his own back in the day. Perhaps other former athletes at the school, not so famous, can and will step up to the plate, as well.