Starting with the close-knit Class of 1965, PC graduates returned to their alma mater in May for OPC Weekend 2025. On Friday, May 2, the 132nd Awards Ceremony honored distinguished alumni and dedicated teachers. And on Saturday, May 3, the celebration continued with the OPCs of Color Brunch and, in the evening, individual reunions for classes with graduation years ending in 5 and 0.
Debbie White, who is retiring this year after 37 years of teaching and coaching, and Naveena Bembry, who taught for 25 years and now supports educators of color through the Independent School Teaching Fellows program, both received Honorary 1689 diplomas. This honor is given to members of the PC community who show extraordinary commitment to the school by demonstrating pride and excellence in the performance of their duties and by consistently providing encouragement and support to the student body.
Ed Marks received the John F. Gummere Distinguished Teacher Award "honoring those who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, teaching and character, and whose work in their field, rapport with students and colleagues, and contributions to the intellectual field of the school merit recognition.” In her introduction of Marks, Social Studies Department chair Brooke Stratton said, "Ed's legacy is not merely in what he taught, but in how. He created spaces where students felt safe to express their opinions and where diverse perspectives were valued."
John P. Grotzinger OPC '75 received the David P. Montgomery OPC '64 Alumni Award of Merit, given to a graduate whose character and outstanding achievement have reflected lasting credit upon Penn Charter. Grotzinger currently teaches geology at the California Institute of Technology and was previously chief scientist for NASA's Mars Rover Curiosity mission. His research includes the origin and early evolution of life on Earth, and the comparative evolution of Earth and Mars.
Caesar D. Williams OPC '80 was awarded the David P. Montgomery OPC '64 Alumni Award of Merit posthumously. Williams was a Penn Charter "lifer," parent and member of the Board of Trustees. An integral part of the school, even after he – and eventually his daughter, Tyler OPC '15 – graduated, he never missed Color Day, the All-School Meeting for Worship, or an OPCs of Color Brunch.
In a reflection of our community, many former and retired educators returned to Old Penn Charter to celebrate the 50th reunion class and the current PC teachers who were honored at the ceremony. Former Head of School Earl J. Ball Hon. 1689 presented the Honorary 1689 diploma to Debbie White. Richard Pepino, who taught chemistry 1973-77, was invited by the Class of 1975, which fondly remembers him. Retired Lower School teachers Judy Morrow, Chris (Christoph) Fabian, Maria-Odilia Romeu and Vicki Miles, retired Middle School math teacher Bill Goulding, and retired Upper School teachers Sandy Portnoy and Bruce MacCullough celebrated Naveena Bemby and Ed Marks.