Commencement 2024

When drafting her address to the Class of 2024, Head of School Karen Warren Coleman realized that "this class deserved so much more than typical 'cotton-candy' platitudes or 'follow your dreams' poems."Instead, she decided to speak about a book titled Choke: The Secret to Performing Under Pressure by Sian Beilock. More specifically, Coleman focused on a part of the book that demonstrated how readiness to tackle challenges can counter anxiety and actually improve performance. For student speakers Mac Haines and Payton Handler, who were chosen by their class to share remarks, this connection became apparent. Recalling their high school journey that began with pandemic lockdowns, virtual classes, and the myriad of momentous global events that followed, the Class of 2024 has experienced challenges but was able to create moments of joy and a strong community, and to excel academically, artistically and athletically during their time at Penn Charter. 

After spending the vast majority of my professional career – some 23 years – at top universities around the country, I can say without hesitation that if any class is ready to embrace, lean into and tackle the challenges that life after high school will present, it’s Penn Charter’s Class of 2024. Through chaotic circumstances, you rose above. You learned beyond yourselves. You created community in ways you hadn't previously considered. You flourished! Class of 2024, you redefined what "coming of age" really means. You should be so proud of yourselves. As your head of school and on behalf of the faculty and staff and the entire Penn Charter community, we are so incredibly proud of you!