Congratulations to the Eighth Grade!

Thursday, June 8, marked a momentous occasion as the eighth grade class closed the doors on their Middle School chapter.

The Kurtz Center for Performing Arts came alive as students, families, faculty and staff filled the seats to celebrate 90 eighth grade students. During the ceremony, four student speakers spoke, a special departing gift was given to Head of School, Darryl J. Ford, student awards were presented, the eighth grade choir sang "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus and members from the jazz band performed Steely Dan's "Home at Last. Director of Middle School Wilson Felter led the promotion ceremony, inspiring remarks were delivered by Head of School Darryl J. Ford, and Director of Upper School Kim Berndt welcomed the eighth graders into Upper School. 

Over the years, the Penn Charter community has honored its eighth grade graduates in different ways. To honor this year's graduates, our faculty, along with Corey Kilbane, IdeaLab coordinator, created a commemorative plaque that lists the name of each student in the class. The plaque will be displayed permanently in the Middle School building.

Award Winners

• Noah Hall and Millie Oberfield won the Hal Commons Memorial Award.
  Presented by Wilson Felter, this award is given to a Middle School student who best exemplified the qualities of caring, sharing and responsibility.
• Chelsea Gadsden and Ethan Leckerman won the Richard Mott Jones Memorial Award.
  Presented by Jim Pilkington, interim assistant director of Middle School, this award is given to an outstanding member of the eighth grade class who excels in academics, athletics, the fine and performing arts, and contributes positively to the social environment in our Middle School.
• Hudson Torrisi won the Antonios S. Thomas Memorial Award.
  Presented by Darryl J. Ford, this award is given to a Middle School student who best embodies the spirit, energy and enthusiasm of Middle School and has earned the respect of students and teachers alike. The recipient's presence in Middle School has made our community better.

Congratulations to the Class of 2027! Enjoy the photos and have a great summer!