Beloved Centennial Schools Supporter Has Lab Named In Honor

WARMINSTER, PA —Joe Cowhey had a holiday highlight every year.

The late president of ShopRite in Warminster loved having the William Tennent High School Madrigal Singers perform at the Street Road store.

Last week, the group performed in remembrance of Cowhey as the Centennial School District renamed a lab in his honor.

The high school's ShopRite Career Lab, which was pioneered by Cowhey and opened in 2014, was rechristened as the Joe Cowhey Career Lab.

"Today, CSD paid tribute to a great man in our community who generously supported many educational programs in our district," school officials said. "Mr. Cowhey made such a tremendous impact on this community and is sadly missed."

The WT Madrigal Singers kicked off the dedication, followed by kind words from Cowhey's family, friends, and peers.

The lab started as a partnership that included Wakefern Corp, ShopRite's parent company.

But it was Cowhey who made it come together, said Al Catarro, a board member of the Centennial Education Foundation.

"Joe Cowhey was community oriented and generously supported educational programs in the Centennial School District," Catarro said. "There were many facets to the partnership with the school district. Joe championed authentic experiences for students. His commitment included the creation of the ShopRite Career Lab, a working store run by special needs students in the high school."

The district has often recognized Cowhey for his contributions, including a Facebook post from 2015.

In the post, the Centennial school board recognized Cowhey for his partnership with the William Tennent High School Family and Consumer Science program.

"This partnership allows the culinary courses to have the support they need to advance the students' experiences with various products. As an extension to the ShopRite store located in the high school, Mr. Cowhey continues to be a valuable friend to our district with his support for our programs by providing mentorship opportunities for our students in business development and entrepreneurial areas," the post reads.

Catarro said Cowhey also sponsored events for the Centennial Education Foundation and William Tennent music program. He also sponsored and attended school musicals. And listening to the Madrigals perform.

See the Madrigals' tribute to Cowhey below: