ABOUT CHP
ABOUT PHILANDO
Philando Divall Castile was born in 1983 in St. Louis, Missouri. He lived the majority of his life in St. Paul, Minnesota after his mom made the decision to move here to find a better life for their family.
He was a student of the St. Paul school system and dedicated 15 years to the Saint Paul Public School District as a nutrition services assistant at Chelsea Heights Elementary School and Arlington High School (now Washington Technology Magnet School). He was promoted to nutrition services supervisor at J. J. Hill Montessori Magnet School in August 2014. He knew the names of the 500 students he served every day along with their food allergies. Philando was an ambitious man who served as a role model for hundreds of children.
Outside of work, Philando enjoyed playing video games and spending time with his friends and family, with whom he was very close. He was known for his quiet and calm demeanor, big heart, and huge smile. His death has left a large hole in the community.
Central Honors Philando began as a community response to Philando Castile being shot and killed by a police offer during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, MN on July 6, 2016. While Philando was attempting to comply with the officer's request to retrieve his I.D., the officer shot at Philando 7 times, hitting him 5 times. Philando died at the scene. The trial, and complete acquittal of the police officer drew national and international attention. The verdict devastated Philando’s family, friends, fellow Central alumni and people across the world who believe that police officers should not be above the law and that they should be held legally accountable for their wrongful actions.
Philando's high school classmates first organized the community gathering in August of 2016 to celebrate his life and to raise money for a scholarship in his memory. It was a tremendous success and has become an annual event. It is an opportunity for community-building, peaceful dialogue, and healing. It also seeks to help prevent a similarly tragic injustice from happening while also ensuring that Philando’s personal legacy endures.
Philando Divall Castile
1983 - 2016
2023 EVENT INFORMATION
WHEN:
Sunday, August 20th, 2023
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION:
Dunning lot
1221 Marshall Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104
2023 LINE-UP
To be announced closer to the event!
This is a family-friendly event!
PHILANDO CASTILE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a St. Paul Central High School senior. Because of Philando's passion for education and working with children, we will prioritize awarding the scholarship to a student who intends to pursue a career in education, including but not limited to teaching, administration, child development, and/or counseling. In order to help foster diversity among the educators who serve as role models for all of our students, preference will be given to an African American male or to a member of another underrepresented demographic in education. The recipient must plan to enroll in a regionally accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university in the fall. The first scholarship was awarded in June of 2016.
The scholarship is administered by the Saint Paul Central High School Foundation (SPCHSF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All scholarship donations are directed to SPCHSF, and all net proceeds from Central Honors Philando fundraising efforts will go directly to the scholarship.
2022 RECIPIENT
From left to right: Valerie Castile, Philando's mother; John "JB" Brooks, the sixth Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship recipient; Alexandria Reyes Schroeder, President of the St. Paul Central High School Foundation
2021 RECIPIENT
Assem Elsayad, the fifth Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship recipient.
2020 RECIPIENT
Ibsa Lolo, the fourth Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship recipient.
2019 RECIPIENT
From left to right: Philando's sister, Allysza Castile, and her daughter Cory’onna Philandra Castile; Valerie Castile, Philando's mother; and Joseph Cobb, the third Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship recipient.
2018 RECIPIENT
From left to right: Philando's sister, Allysza Castile; Jalen Jackson, the second Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship recipient; and Valerie Castile, Philando's mother.
2017 RECIPIENT
From left to right: Philando's sister, Allysza Castile; Marques Watson-Taylor, the first Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship recipient; and Valerie Castile, Philando's mother.
CENTRAL HONORS PHILANDO SHIRTS
All proceeds go to the Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship.
Past Shirts: six styles to choose from
Latest Design Available Now!
2022 SPONSORS
Want to see your organization listed here? Contact us!
EVENT COMMITTEE
The Central Honors Philando Event Committee is all volunteer and made up entirely of Saint Paul Central High School alumi. Graduation year is noted.
Adrian Perryman (2003)
Trevor Throntveit (2001)
Lily Bevis (2003)
Abby Heuckendorf (2001)
Melinda Donaway (2001)
Greg Crockett (2002)
Karla Basta (2001)
Elliot Looney (2001)
Alexandria Reyes (2002)
Tanea Womack (2001)
Nicole Smith (2001) - 2016 Committee Member
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