Ford to Seniors: Pursue Lofty Goals with a Generous Spirit

Head of School Darryl J. Ford, in his first commencement as head of Penn Charter, encouraged graduating seniors to heed the advice of a Quaker author and educator to pursue lofty goals with a generous spirit.

"It is my hope that you will continue to break down false barriers," Ford said. "It is my hope that continuing revelation might be a pathway that you take as you pursue truth. It is my hope that you will maintain a sensitivity to the human condition. It is my hope that you will always aspire to bring out the best in others."

Ford said that in "A Quaker Book of Wisdom," author Robert Lawrence Smith expressed hope "that our most personal gift, the gift of our minds, is used in a generous spirit for worthy goals." Addressing the 110 graduating seniors, Ford called on them to "use your gifts, with graciousness and generosity, as you pursue all things worthy to make this world a better place."

Matthew Star and Stormie Romero were selected by their teachers and classmates to address the class at commencement. Both gave spirited speeches that engaged the standing-room only crowd of more than 1,000 family, friends and teachers.

Two additional students were called forward to receive special honors. Arthur Bartolozzi received the Phi Beta Kappa Award, which is presented to the student outstanding in scholarship in the graduating class. Kashif Smith received the Penn Charter Alumni Award, which is preented to the senior "who on qualification of scholarship, character, leadership and athletic ability exemplifies the best Penn Charter type."

Matthew Cahn, president of the senior class, announced that senior class parents raised a record $135,123 for the Penn Charter Annual Fund. Cahn said the gift to the school will be used for faculty development.