Former U.S. Defense Secretary Getting Abington High Honor

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — A new courtyard is coming to Abington Senior High School that will be named for Ashton B. Carter, the former U.S. Secretary of Defense and alumnus of the Class of 1972.

The Abington School Board approved a gift agreement with the Abington Educational Foundation for a donation to design, construct, and oversee the creation and maintenance of a courtyard named for Carter.

Funds for the Ash Carter Courtyard were raised by the Friends of Ash, a group of his Abington alumni classmates.

Abington High School has produced many fine graduates during its nearly 140 years.

None may be more distinguished than Ashton B. “Ash” Carter, a member of the AHS Class of 1972.

From 2015 to 2017, Ash led the Pentagon and the nation’s armed forces as America’s 25th Secretary of Defense.

This position capped his stunning career as a nuclear scientist, public servant, leader, and educator.

The nation and the world lost this Abington hero at the age of 68 in 2022.

In January 2025, Ash was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. His citation read:

“A scientist turned Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter was a true patriot. Over four decades, in and out of the Pentagon, he was a key leader, thinker, and strategist on critical issues ranging from nuclear nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and our sacred obligation to equip, care, and protect our service members and their families. His scientific and technological innovations made our nation safer, and his integrity and mentorship inspired generations of Americans to serve and protect our nation with honor and dignity.”

Click here to learn more about the courtyard project