commencement 2021
“Throughout our time in high school, we have witnessed the growth of the Me Too movement, the Black Lives Matter movement, Stop Asian Hate, advocacy against antisemitism and so much more. Members of our class took the momentum of these movements, brought to light the experiences of a variety of different students, and fought for change.” — Zora Johnson, Howard University
“I saw also that there was an ocean of darkness and death, but an infinite ocean of light and love, which flowed over the ocean of darkness.” — George Fox The 119 members of the Class of 2021 graduated on June 12 in a socially-distanced ceremony that was also broadcast by livestream. A limited number of family, friends, faculty and staff gathered on Maguire Field, which was temporarily outfitted with a stage and two large display screens to accommodate the restrictions of the covid pandemic. Head of School Darryl J. Ford thanked the PC faculty for teaching during a pandemic despite their fears and despite the risk, and parents for their trust and support during the pandemic year. He selected a portion of a famous quote from George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, to evoke the pandemic experience: “‘I saw also that there was an ocean of darkness.’ In March 2020,” Ford said, “the world changed for all of us. The world changed for Penn Charter’s students. The world changed for our seniors, the Class of 2021.” Praising the class for their resiliency, leadership and fighting spirit, and enumerating many of their achievements, Ford concluded with the optimistic sentiment embedded in Fox’s full quote: "Class of 2021, open your eyes to see an infinite ocean of light and love.”
“Know that your parents and teachers are certain of your talents and potential. We believe in you – even in these uncertain times. Pursue your own truths and passions, and believe in yourselves.” 8
“Our class can and will all achieve truly remarkable things as we develop careers and lives, and all we need are those sparks of inspiration and courage. I challenge each and every one of you ... be that spark, ignite the very best in those around you. Congratulations to the truly extraordinary class of 2021.” — Daniel Rodríguez, Princeton University
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FALL 2021
