By the end of the 2007-08 school year, Central had received its fifth consecutive F school grade from the state -- branding it with the worst academic record in Florida.

Now, for Central to remain open as it exists today -- that is, without becoming a charter school or undergoing a massive overhaul -- it must earn a D grade or better from the state.

Rodriguez, the new principal, wasted no time in establishing order, improving morale and providing students with specialized tutoring services they needed.

Still, by quantitative measures, Central's success will depend on how its students performed on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests, which wrapped up last month.

While the state won't begin to release the scores until May, there are some early indicators of progress.

This year, 99 percent of Central students showed up for the tests -- up from 90 percent last year, according to school district records.

That's just the kind of momentum that community members want to seize. They say self-confidence and pride will help propel the students to success.

COMPUTER PURCHASE

Members of the three organizations hope that buying laptops for college-bound seniors will encourage students in all grades to set their sights on furthering their education. The groups are hard at work to raise $10,000 to buy 50 new computers.

They're hosting a fundraising bazaar at the school on May 2.

The alumni association is also planning an alumni appreciation night to take place the same weekend as the spring football game.

Pollock admits that getting parents involved has been a challenge.

Membership in the PTSA holds steady at about 50 people -- a small number, considering that Central has more than 1,500 students.

"Parents in this community are doing their best, " Pollock said. "Their plates are full. Many work two or three jobs."

Despite the small membership, the PTSA has raised funds to send students to Central's away games, and raised money for scholarships and school activities.

"We fit in where we are needed, even if that means mopping the floors, " Pollock said.

ROLE MODELS

On a personal level, Clark, Holsendolph and Pollock want to be role models for the current generation.

Whenever they visit the school, usually once every two weeks, they make it a point to shake hands with students and ask them about their studies.

"We want them to understand that there's a greater legacy -- that they're part of something much larger than themselves, " Clark said.

The trio are also hoping to bring the community back to Central.

They want to see Central reborn as a true community school -- a place where neighbors walk the track for exercise and gather for community meetings.

Earlier this month, the alumni association, the PTSA and the community oversight group named Central's new outdoor track for longtime coach John Rolle. The three organizations invited community members to attend the dedication ceremony. About 100 showed up -- a strong start, Clark said.

"We want them to be proud of Central, " he said. "This is their school, too."

On a recent boiling-hot April afternoon, the three men stood side by side on the track. The topic of conversation was outdoor lighting.

"If Northwestern has lights, we should have lights, too, " Holsendolph said, uttering the name of Central's long-despised rival.

"I agree with you, " Clark said. "We gotta get lights."

"How do we do it?" Pollock asked.

"I don't know yet, " Holsendolph said. "But we'll do it."