The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time for students as they take another step forward in their educational journeys. When I began my tenure as president in the spring of 2023, I introduced Outward Bound programs for our fifth and ninth grade students to offer them new experiences and opportunities to build their confidence and resiliency while developing deeper connections with their classmates. Our cover story highlights how the North Carolina Outward Bound program benefited the first group of ninth graders who went through the course in September 2023. These programs will continue to provide valuable experiences for our students to help them succeed in school and life.
We also added rowing as an official sport at Girard during the 2023–2024 school year. Coach Brannon Johnson has been training the rowing team and preparing them for competitive racing during the upcoming school year. This story highlights the great work she has been doing with the team.
Continuing our focus on enhancing the student experience, we recently hired key educational leaders, including Cedric Hall, our new Vice President of Student Experience. We also welcomed Jessica Heintz as principal of the Elementary and Middle School. In addition, Clarena Tolson, Vice President of Operations, began serving at Girard earlier this year, and she has been instrumental in improving how the facilities, human resources, and finance departments operate. Find out more about the newest members of our staff in the School News section.
While we look forward to working with our newest staff members, this issue features a story about Maxine Dennison, one of our longtime educators who retired this past June. Maxine, Dean of Culture for the Elementary and Middle School, served as a teacher and administrator at Girard for almost two decades. We invite you to read about Maxine’s amazing career and her love for the youngest members of our Girard community.
The Girard Community also lost one of its oldest and most distinguished graduates this summer. Peter Scotese, ’37, passed away at the age of 104. Don’t miss the tribute to Peter’s life and legacy in the Alumni News section.
This edition of the Steel & Garnet also offers details about the school’s strategic priorities as well as other school and alumni news.
As you read these stories, I hope you are excited as I am about the success of our scholars and the future of Girard College!
OUR MISSION Girard College is a full-scholarship boarding school that fosters intellectual curiosity, social development, and emotional growth in academically focused students from underserved communities. We ensure every student the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence and preparation for advanced education through purposeful academic and residential programs.
Strategic Priorities Focus on Enhancing the Student Experience at Girard
As President David Hardy marked his first year at Girard College this past spring, he shared the strategic priorities that will serve as a roadmap for the next few years and pave the way for the next leader of the school.
With input from faculty, staff, students, alumni and board members, these priorities focus on enhancing the student experience and empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
The four priorities outlined in the plan include:
Implementing an academically rigorous student experience
Planning for the future of Girard College student facilities
Expanding programming and increasing the number of students served
Laying the groundwork for the next leader of Girard College
Much work has already been accomplished in implementing this plan. Some of the highlights include:
Major renovations of the high school dormitories and classrooms. Students returned to school last fall with classrooms and dorms that were completely modernized.
Girard introduced a new tradition for freshman orientation last year - sending all ninth graders to the North Carolina Outward Bound course. (See cover story in this issue.) Additionally, our fifth graders participated in a oneday program at the Philadelphia Outward Bound School in the Discovery Center in Fairmount Park. Fifth grade and ninth grade are important entry grades at Girard, and these programs give students the opportunity to build bonds with one another.
Last year we enrolled several 11th and 12th grade students in our dual-enrollment program. Students attended classes at Temple University, Community College of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania. These off-campus classes not only expanded the students’ educational horizons but also familiarized them with college campuses and coursework in a variety of career fields. Our goal is to expand partnerships with local colleges and offer students a more diverse array of career and college experiences to help them make informed decisions about their post-Girard futures.
This spring a new Student Center was opened in Manley Hall. The center is a multi-use recreation and learning space where elementary and middle school
students can gather to learn, play, and build connections with one another.
A state-of-the-art fitness center, completed in June, will provide both staff and students with a convenient space on campus to exercise regularly.
All student-facing teams have been reorganized under a Vice President of Student Experience position. This summer we welcomed Cedric Hall as our new VP of Student Experience, and he will oversee academic, out-ofschool time, and residential teams at Girard. See Cedric’s profile on next page.
This fall, the school plans to reintroduce a weekend residential program for a select group of students who will benefit from it most.
“Ensuring the future success of Girard College is paramount,” President Hardy said. “I welcome the support and involvement of the school community to implement these initiatives and create an even brighter future for our students.”
More information about strengthening our academics, designing the new STEM center, and implementing a weekend program will be shared during the upcoming school year. The strategic plan is available on the school website
Renovations of the Fitness Center in the Armory were completed in June. The center was painted, and new fitness equipment and flooring was installed.
High school classrooms now have new desks and chairs, and the rooms were painted, new lighting was installed, and flooring was updated.
Girard Welcomes
New Principal
Jessica
Heintz, our new principal of the Elementary and Middle School, is an experienced educator with a proven track record in leadership, curriculum development, and science instruction. Jessica most recently served as Assistant Head of School at Belmont Charter High School where she supervised the teaching staff and developed and implemented systems and policies at the school, including grading practices, assessment procedures, and classroom management protocols.
Cedric Hall Joins Girard’s Leadership Team as Vice President of Student Experience
Girard College has appointed Cedric Hall, a talented professional who for more than a decade has specialized in equity-focused educational leadership in New York City and around the world, as Vice President of Student Experience at the historic boarding school in North Philadelphia.
In his new position, Hall will oversee all academic, out-of-school time, and residential teams for Girard’s nearly 300 students. The College created the Office of Student Experience to bring a more holistic approach to its thinking about the student experience at Girard College, and Hall becomes the first person to lead it.
Hall joined the Girard College staff on July 1, and he will play a critical role as leader of the vision for how students experience life at Girard and their preparation for college and beyond. Hall also will be responsible for leading the Elementary/Middle School and High School Principals, the Dean of Residential Life, the Director of Student Success, the Director of Athletics, and the Admissions Department.
In addition, Jessica served for five years as program director for Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the educational development of students and teachers. Jessica oversaw a program that served hundreds of middle and high school students, and she also supervised staff, recruited and trained educators, and developed performance evaluations.
She earned a bachelor of science degree in biology and religious studies from Elizabethtown College and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Pennsylvania.
“My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment for students that fosters academic excellence,” Jessica said. “I want to ensure that students complete Algebra 1 by the end of 8th grade and that they are prepared to take other advanced level high school courses. I will be encouraging them to read as many books as they can and helping them develop mindsets and habits that will support them through high school and beyond.”
“We are very excited to welcome Cedric Hall to Girard College,” said Girard President David Hardy. “He brings a wealth of experience in equity-focused education, and I believe he will play a critical role not only in helping our students get the most from their Girard education, but also in preparing them for continued success in college and beyond.”
For Hall, 38, the appointment is a homecoming. Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from Germantown Friends School and Temple University before earning a specialist degree in Education Management at Seton Hall University. Hall also is an alumnus of New Leaders, the nationally acclaimed program that has developed more than 8,000 equityfocused education leaders who reach more than two million students in 45 cities across America.
He brings a wealth of experience in equityfocused education, and I believe he will play a critical role not only in helping our students get the most from their Girard education, but also in preparing them for continued success in college and beyond.
DAVID HARDY Girard President
Jessica Heintz
President David Hardy presents Philadelphia Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. ’04 with an appreciation gift for serving as commencement speaker for the Class of 2024.
A Time-Honored Tradition:
Girard College’s 2024 Commencement
What sets Girard apart is its emphasis on character development. Here we are molded with the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, and Compassion.
— COUNCILMEMBER
JEFFERY YOUNG, JR. ’04
On the bright morning of Wednesday, June 12, the 34 members of Girard College’s Class of 2024 gathered with administrators, faculty, board members, alumni, and their families to celebrate the culmination of their Girard journey. The air was filled with a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and a hint of sadness as the scholars prepared to bid farewell to the place that had been their home for years.
The ceremony began with the traditional procession of Girard College board and school leaders, followed by the graduates, who walked proudly in their caps and gowns, their faces beaming with joy. President David Hardy welcomed everyone and reflected on the unique journey of the Class of 2024, speaking of their perseverance during the pandemic and, upon first meeting
them, their efforts to advocate for positive changes on campus.
The commencement ceremony featured remarks from Lynette M. Brown-Sow, Vice President of The Board of Directors of City Trusts; Bernard W. Smalley, Esq., President of The Board of Directors of City Trusts; Kevin Asante-Tagoe ’24, Student Body President; Surayah Smallwood ’24, Salutatorian; and Christopher Garrison-Nelson ’24, Valedictorian.
A moving moment occurred when each graduate presented a carnation to the caregiver and faculty member who most influenced them during the year. These gifts honored the impact made by many in support of the scholars’ academic successes and were a visual representation of the character instilled in all Girardians.
Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., an esteemed alumnus of Girard College Class of 2004, delivered the keynote address. He spoke of the character of Girard students noting, “What sets Girard apart is its emphasis on character development. Here we are molded with the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, and Compassion. These values I carry with me every day, and by virtue of you being raised here, raised with those core values, they will be something you carry with you too.”
Councilmember Young’s presence added a special touch to the occasion, reminding everyone of the school’s rich history and the potential of its graduates to make a significant impact in the world. He shared stories of his time at Girard, discussed the love and bond felt between Girardians, remarked on the Class of 2024’s energy and passion for change, and acknowledged a future full of opportunities and challenges.
It was, however, his final message to the newest members of Girard’s alumni that stood out the most: “To the graduates, congratulations! You have worked hard, persevered through challenges, and achieved so much. As you step into the next chapter of your life, remember that you carry with you the strength, the values, the spirit of Girard, and our ancestors in all that you do. Go forth with confidence, pursue your dreams with passion, and do your best when
no one is looking. Use the education and experiences you have gained here to make a positive impact in your world and the universe around you. Be leaders in your communities, champions for justice, and advocates for change.”
Following this address, the ceremony proceeded with the awarding of diplomas. Each graduate’s name was called, and as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, they were met with thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. As the ceremony drew to a close, the graduates were invited to turn their tassels, symbolizing their transition from students to alumni, and then perform the Farewell Song, a timehonored tradition. As the class of 2024 sang “farewell, farewell dear temple on the hill, we’ll not forget you till our hearts be still,” it marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
As the graduates exited the ceremony, they were greeted by hugs, tears, and laughter. The morning sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow on this unforgettable day.
The 2024 graduation ceremony at Girard College was not just a celebration of academic achievement but a heartfelt farewell to a beloved chapter in the lives of the graduates. It was a reminder of the strength of community, the power of perseverance, and the boundless potential that lies within each Girard Scholar.
Kevin Asante-Tagoe, Student Body President
Christopher Garrison-Nelson, Valedictorian
Surayah Smallwood, Salutatorian
The Class of 2024 sings the Farewell Song during their Commencement Ceremony.
Maxine Dennison, Beloved Teacher and Administrator, Retires
These children are creative and so full of love. We just have to give them a chance to shine because these children do shine.
MAXINE
DENNISON, TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL AT GIRARD COLLEGE
When anyone meets Maxine Dennison, they soon realize that she is a dynamo.
Her passion for educating children has been on full display during her more than 15 years as a teacher and administrator in the elementary and middle school at Girard College. That is why Dennison’s decision to retire this June was such a difficult one.
“This retirement is one of the hardest things I’ve had to come to grips with because I love these kids so much,” she said.
Dennison’s love for Girard students began in 1997 when she became a substitute teacher in the EMS Building. During that time, she also owned and operated a preschool in New Jersey. “I would leave lesson plans and worksheets for my staff, and then come here to teach,” Dennison said. “Then I’d go back there because I had an aftercare program where I did tutoring and homework with the children.”
She left Girard in 2001 when her pastor at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in Williamstown, NJ, asked to open a preschool there.
A decade later, Dennison returned to Girard as a substitute teacher following the death of her husband in 2011. Her stint as a substitute didn’t last very long because a fourth-grade teaching position became available during that school year.
She taught fourth grade until 2016 when she became an instructional coach, helping teachers with classroom management and academic skills. “I did observations and evaluations and gave teachers tools to help them with their classes,” she said.
Dennison served as an assistant dean during the 2021–2022 school year, and for the past two years she has been the Dean of Culture. In that role she helped with creating a fun learning environment for students and teachers as well as ensuring students knew how they were expected to behave in school.
“These children have needs, and sometimes the way they exhibit it is not very positive, but when you show them love, you can turn around a child who has been acting up in a minute,” Dennison said. “I always tell the students, ‘I love you to death, but we have rules that we’re not going to break.’”
Her discipline method included having students do community service around the school campus if they misbehaved.
“They had to physically do work to beautify our campus,” Dennison said. “I would have them work on flower boxes or pick up trash. I tried to instill in them that they should be proud of their surroundings.”
In addition to being a teacher, instructional coach and dean in the elementary and middle school at
Girard, Dennison also has pitched in to tutor students after school, help elementary students get ready for school in the morning, and serve as librarian in the EMS building.
In 2021, she received the Distinguished Service Award which is presented to a Girard employee who exemplifies the highest quality of work, a positive attitude, and commitment to the goals of Girard College. Her colleagues noted her dedication to Girard students, her willingness to selflessly fill many roles—teacher, administrator, coach and friend—and serve as a tough but fair disciplinarian for students.
When Dennison experienced the unexpected loss of her only son Craig in 2022, she was deeply touched by the support the Girard community gave her during that difficult time.
“Everyone—the president, the principals, teachers from the high school, almost all the teachers in the (EMS) building came (to the funeral), and they were just so supportive,” she said. “Girard is a family. It really is. That’s the reason I say I keep coming here.”
In retirement, Dennison said she looks forward to traveling and staying involved in her church. Any decisions about other volunteer work will be made after the summer.
“I love to cruise, and I love to travel, so I figure I’ll do a little bit of that and then I’ll decide what I’m going to do as far as helping out,” she said.
While Dennison said she will enjoy being retired, the students at Girard will always have a special place in her heart.
“These kids kept me young, and that’s what I’m going to miss,” Dennison said. “These children are creative and so full of love. We just have to give them a chance to shine because these children do shine. If you let them, they will shine, and that’s what I’m going to miss most.”
Space Camp Helps Students Reach for the Stars
Simone Jones and Tommy Nguyen, Class of 2025, had an amazing opportunity to attend Space Academy in Huntsville, Georgia, this summer. Holta Tegu, high school principal, presented the Charles W. Hicks ’74 Space Camp Prize to them during the annual Awards Chapel in June. They spent an exciting week participating in hands-on STEM experiments, engineering activities, and space flight simulations as Space Academy® trainees. This trip, like others before it, was made possible through the generous support from the Girard College Alumni Association and committed Girard Alumni. The dream to send Girard College students to space camp originated with the late Charles Hicks ’74, and it continues thanks to his fellow Girardians who are ensuring that this tradition lives on.
Basil and Lynda Bartlow greet Tommy Nguyen and Simone Jones at the Space Academy. Basil is a 1954 alumnus of Girard.
Tommy Nguyen goes for a thrilling ride on the multi-axis machine during Space Academy.
COMPASSION
COURAGE INTEGRITY RESPONSIBILITY
Reaching New Heights
Editor’s note: This feature story was written a few months before our current ninth graders went to Outward Bound in North Carolina this September.
Learning outdoor survival skills is not a top priority for most teens, especially those who have lived in a city their entire lives.
More than 30 ninth graders from Girard College were pushed out of their comfort zones during a four-day Outward Bound adventure program in North Carolina in September 2023 where they backpacked in the Blue Ridge Mountains and learned how to rock climb and survive outdoors.
Outward Bound expeditions teach students communication and collaboration skills and builds their confidence and self-reliance.
The Outward Bound programs were introduced to the fifth and ninth graders during the 2023-2024 school year. President David Hardy, who has been affiliated with Outward Bound for more than 20 years, wanted Girard students to experience the benefits of this program. At Boys Latin Charter School, where Hardy served as president/CEO for 10 years, he sent students on trips every year.
In March the fifth graders went through a one-day program offered through the Philadelphia Outward Bound School in the Discovery Center in Fairmount Park.
During the North Carolina trip, Girard students and staff chaperones learned how to pack their backpacks, set up a camp site, make a shelter, use a compass, and cook outdoors.
The first challenge the participants encountered was learning how to hike with heavy backpacks.
“We had to carry all our supplies, water, food, cooking equipment, our shelter, the whole time,” said Corey Durkin,
continued on page 12
It was cool to watch the kids learn how to belay. You really had to put a lot of trust in the people who were belaying.
—COREY DURKIN, GIRARD TEACHER
continued from page 11
Girard’s health and physical education teacher who was a chaperone on the trip. “I wish I could have taken a picture of the students’ faces when they picked up the backpacks they were about to carry around for four days. The backpacks weighed 60 to 80 pounds, so it definitely was challenging for them.”
The students and chaperones were divided into three smaller groups, and each group had Outward Bound leaders who guided them through the woods, facilitated team building activities, and taught them outdoor skills.
Stepping out of comfort zones
The students were forced out of their comfort zones in various ways during the Outward Bound experience, including facing their fears.
“Some of them had a fear of heights, and some of the hikes we did were kind of challenging,” Durkin said. “The hike to a ridge on the top of the mountain where we rock climbed was pretty high, and that was really hard for a couple of the kids.”
The ninth graders and staff members who went to North Carolina Outward Bound (NCOB) this year were unable to return to campus as planned due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in the Asheville area. The students and staff sheltered in place for three days at Outward Bound’s basecamp on Table Rock Mountain while the U.S. Forestry Service and NCOB staff cleared the roads to enable safe passage from the basecamp.
The 31 students and three staff members returned to campus on October 2. We are grateful to the NCOB team who provided the students and staff with food and water, organized activities for them, and guided them from the basecamp to a main road where vans took them to the bus. Girard leaders communicated regularly with parents while the students were at the basecamp.
Everyone wore harnesses that were attached to safety ropes while they were rock climbing, and the students learned how to belay in case someone fell while climbing.
“It was cool to watch the kids learn how to belay,” Durkin said. “You really had to put a lot of trust in the people who were belaying. You could fall off the rock face if the two people who were holding onto your rope messed up.”
There were several opportunities for students to do new and challenging activities.
More than 60 ninth graders from Girard College have participated in the North Carolina Outward Bound program in the past two years.
BACKPACKS WEIGHT:
60 to 80 pounds
“I feel like I stepped out of my comfort zone a lot because of the icebreaker activities we did and the crazy summits we had to climb,” said Gabe Grant, now a sophomore at Girard. “When we went on this huge cliff, they told us to be careful because if you fall, you might get seriously injured.”
Jade Greene-Moore, also a sophomore at Girard, initially didn’t want to go on the trip.
“This trip was very much out of my comfort zone, and at first I told my mom that I didn’t want to go,” Jade said. “I think a lot of kids would like it because it is fun. You get to go out camping with all your friends, and you get the time to talk with them. It was a very nice experience.”
Learning Valuable Lessons
It took some time for the students to adjust to living outdoors, but the experience helped them learn valuable lessons.
“It’s a good experience for anyone who wants to learn new things,” Jade
said. “You can learn good life lessons. You can even learn how to find your way back if you ever get lost.”
For Jade who has lived in Philadelphia her whole life and had never been camping before, Outward Bound changed her perspective on her daily life.
“It was an eye-opening experience because of the stuff that you take for granted - being able to shower, being able to use a toilet, and having unlimited access to water,” she said. “We didn’t get to take a shower for three days, and for the bathroom you just had to find a safe place to go.”
The students also discovered that leaving their cell phones behind helped them build stronger connections with their classmates.
“It was great being able to socialize with people, because without your phones, you get to know people a lot better, especially when you’re out in the wilderness with them,” Jade said. “It was just nice to get out and be in nature instead of being glued to your phone.”
While it was more difficult for Gabe to not have his cell phone, he learned that it gave him the opportunity to bond with his classmates.
“I was struggling at first, but then I realized it wasn’t that bad,” Gabe said. “I feel like once you get separated from your phone and you’re with your friends, you’re just telling each other stories and telling each other jokes. We would just laugh all the time.”
The trip also helped Gabe learn about the value of teamwork.
“Going into Outward Bound, I had this mindset of, ‘Oh yeah, I got this,’” he said. “But those three days were not at all what I was expecting because on top of the camping part, they had team building activities, and you had to learn how to work together with your peers.”
Challenges During Trip
The weather made the outdoor experience more challenging because it started raining shortly after they began hiking the first day.
continued on page 14
Top photo: Girard students and staff gathered for a photo with Outward Bound staff before leaving the Table Rock Mountain basecamp where they sheltered in place for three days. Bottom photos: Students hiked, camped outside, and rock climbed during the Outward Bound trip.
Girard students and staff chaperones learned how to:
Pack their Backpacks
Set up a camp site
Make a shelter
Use a compass
Cook outdoors
continued from page 13
“It rained the whole time we were hiking,” Durkin said. “We got to where we were sleeping around midnight, and then the Outward Bound leaders had to teach everybody how to make their shelter. I think that first night was a really tough night for a lot of the kids.”
Jade shared that she and her female classmates were more concerned about personal hygiene than the male students.
“It was much more difficult for us than it was for the boys because they like getting dirty,” Jade said. “We did not want to get dirty at all, so we brought wipes to try to stay clean.”
I really hope they learned that failure isn’t something that you should be afraid of. Failure is just something that happens before you succeed.
DAVID HARDY, PRESIDENT
Highlights of the trip
For Jade, the opportunity to rock climb was a high point of the trip—literally.
“The best part was definitely the rock climbing,” she said. “We had to hike all the way up the mountains, and it was scary, but it was also fun.”
Gabe said he looked forward to the breaks during the long hikes.
“We would hike for an hour and then we could finally put that backpack down and go rock climbing, play a game or take a walk,” he said. “Rock climbing was one of my favorite parts of the trip.”
Benefits of Outward Bound Program
The Outward Bound program had many noticeable benefits for their class, according to Jade and Gabe.
“I see differences in a lot of my classmates,” Jade said. “When we went on that trip we learned new and better ways to talk to people.”
“I feel like there’s a lot more connection within our class,” Gabe added. “Going through an experience like this helped us get to know each other better and to create bonds.”
Jade agreed that the trip helped her classmates develop closer relationships.
“Our group definitely has a lot more connection than most high schoolers because we went on the Outward Bound trip where our only source of entertainment was to talk to people,” Jade said. “I know people a lot better than I would have.”
“There were a lot of new ninth graders, and they made a lot of friendships over those couple of days,” Durkin added. “It was a good team building experience to start off the year.”
President Hardy emphasized the positive impact the Outward Bound experience had on the ninth graders.
“Outward Bound has been an incredible opportunity for our freshman class, and it has brought them together,” he said. “It put them outside their comfort zones early in their freshman year so that when they face a tough question in algebra or something like that, it’s not as scary because they know how to work outside their comfort zone.”
He noted that this experience also helped the students learn an important life lesson about failure.
“I really hope they learned that failure isn’t something that you should be afraid of,” Hardy said. “Failure is just something that happens before you succeed.”
Girard College Introduces New Rowing Program
Discipline. Persistence. Teamwork. These are a few of the important life skills that Girard’s rowing team members have learned while training on the Schuylkill River and in the rowing room in the Armory.
The rowing program at Girard launched in the spring of 2023 with six team members who are being coached by Brannon Johnson, a former Olympic rower who has been a rowing coach for more than 15 years. This is the first time that rowing has been offered as a sport at Girard since the late 1990s.
“Rowing is such a rigorous sport, and it’s so intense,” Johnson said. “The discipline that you develop is the framework that will help you extract what you need to out of life. The work ethic that it develops is really quite incredible.”
Hadas Ali ’24, who joined the team during her senior year, agrees that rowing taught her a lot about discipline.
continued on page 16
Gabe Grant and Celise Purnell ’28 pull their boats out for a recent training session on the Schuylkill River. The rowing team has been practicing three times a week to prepare for competing in races this season.
continued from page 15
“Discipline is important because when you’re racing, you have to keep going,” she said. “Your arms get tired, your legs get sore, but you have to keep going, keep pushing. You’re in the middle of the water, so of course you have to keep going.”
Tommy Nguyen, a senior at Girard, echoed the sentiments of his former rowing teammate.
“Rowing has positively impacted my life by making me more disciplined because when you’re on the river all you have is yourself out there,” he said. “The hardest part of being a rower is fighting that little voice in your head that tells you to give up while you’re putting in as much effort as possible. That voice always seems to get louder as you get closer to the end.”
Hadas emphasized that rowing requires discipline because of the team’s training regimen: getting up early for workouts, traveling to the Schuylkill River, pulling their boats onto the dock, getting them into the water for rowing practice, and then putting the boats away afterward.
“The students we have involved in rowing right now are very good students, but they are also very tough,” President David Hardy said. “Rowing makes you tough.”
When Coach Johnson began training the team, she acknowledged that the students had reservations about rowing on the river.
“They were terrified,” she said. “They were worried about (seeing) dead bodies. They were worried about (the boat) flipping. They were worried about traffic on the water because there are boats everywhere. They were literally like deer in the headlights.”
To increase their confidence and develop their rowing skills, Johnson organized a training trip to Waco, Texas.
“It’s hard to create an environment for learning when you’re scared for your life and everyone’s watching you,” she said. “It was good to take them away from the limelight and let them just learn and have fun. Going away was helpful. They had a great time.”
When Johnson planned the trip, she didn’t know that for some Girard students the Waco trip would give them their first opportunity to travel by plane to go somewhere outside Philadelphia.
“I had no idea; we just kind of stumbled into it,” she said. “It was such a wonderful experience for them that I’m adamant we’re going to do it again next year. We need to give these kids access to these kinds of experiences.”
For Tommy and his teammate Jayden Peterson, the Texas trip was a highlight of their first training season.
“Waco is probably the best thing that’s ever happened in my life,” said Jayden who experienced his first plane ride. “We basically ate, slept, and rowed.”
“Getting to row in a different part of the country was a highlight for me,” Tommy added. “Texas is the farthest I’ve ever been in this country. The nature around the (Bosque) river where we rowed was beautiful.”
While training is challenging, Brannon noted that rowers also experience a sense of peacefulness on the water.
“Rowing is very cathartic,” she said. “It’s sort of a quiet place, and you don’t even realize you’re in one of the most populated cities in the country.”
Hadas agrees that she has felt a calmness on the water.
“Rowing has definitely built my connection with water, and it’s something that’s peaceful,” Hadas said. “I remember one time we went out on the Schuylkill, and we saw
Tommy Nguyen ’25 and Celise Purnell ’28 work together to lift a boat off the storage rack and carry it to the dock.
The discipline that you develop is the framework that will help you extract what you need to out of life. The work ethic that it develops is really quite incredible.
— BRANNON JOHNSON, GIRARD ROWING COACH
turtles on a log. We sometimes think the river is so nasty, but when you see the natural ecosystem that’s there, it’s really beautiful.”
“What I like the most about rowing is getting to be on the river,” Tommy added. “There’s this surreal feeling of calmness.”
“Mentally, rowing has helped clear my mind,” Jayden said. “It’s also helped me build a lot of discipline and realize that even when you’re at your lowest, you need to just keep going.”
An important aspect of this demanding sport is that it also opens opportunities for the student athletes after they graduate.
“Every student who participates in those events on the Schuylkill goes to college because rowing is a sport that builds endurance and commitment,” Hardy said. “It’s a tough sport, but it has incredible benefits. When I heard they wanted to have a rowing program here, I was all for it because it can only help our students.”
Hadas, who is attending Trinity College, has learned the value of being part of the rowing community.
“The sport of rowing has opened me to so many opportunities,” Hadas said.
Tommy Nyguen ’25 and Celise Purnell ’28 participate in a training session on the Schuylkill River in August.
“It’s amazing how many people have connections with people that row.”
She met with Dennis Lalli, a 1968 Girard alumnus and Trinity College graduate who told her about Trinity’s strong rowing programs.
“That definitely piqued my interest in Trinity,” Hadas said. “I’m going to try to walk onto the rowing team after my first semester.”
Coach Johnson is looking forward to the upcoming season when Girard’s rowing team will compete for the first time.
“It will be a full competition year,” she said. “We’ll be competing with the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association and entering Scholastic races.”
“We have some strong rowers here in a very novice program,” President Hardy said. “I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like once we get all the equipment that we need to really train them.”
“We’ve grown tremendously in a year, and I’m very proud of them,” Johnson said. “I’m so impressed with their attitudes, not to say we haven’t had our struggles, but each student came in with a great attitude, and you can build anything with that.”
Coach Brannon Johnson has been training the rowing team since it became a sport at Girard College during the 2023-2024 school year. Coach Johnson organized trips to Texas and Vermont to give the team intensive training opportunities.
REVITALIZATION
of Founder’s Hall Completed
Founder’s Hall has boasted a museum since the school’s opening in 1848, but in January 2024, it reopened with a whole new look and feel.
Don’t worry, the museum still proudly displays Stephen Girard’s carriage and his magnificent suite of ebony furniture, but it places these items into the broader sweep of Girard’s life and influence.
The new installation features expanded sections on Girard College’s architecture, civil rights history, student life over the years, and the school’s relationship with the surrounding neighborhood. And of course, the oldest Hum Mud in our collection—from 1933.
The museum also has a new temporary exhibition space, which opened with an exhibit on teaching science at Girard in the early 20th century and currently features a selection of student art from the elementary and middle schools.
The new installation is now more accessible for visitors. With signage provided throughout the museum, visitors can walk through on their
own, rather than needing a guided tour. The signage has enabled the museum to increase weekly walk-in hours, as well as make the museum available when events are held in Founder’s Hall.
The new museum experience is part of the overall revitalization of Founder’s Hall, a project that took years to plan and 18 months to complete. When you step into Founder’s Hall you may notice the fresh paint and new lighting. You will certainly see the tall glass inner vestibules that help keep the building’s temperature comfortable, as well as the carefully constructed opening between two rooms on the first floor which allows for larger gatherings.
What you cannot see, but is equally critical, are upgrades to the building’s heating and air conditioning systems. A new climate control system provides all the public spaces with air conditioning for the first time and vastly improves heating in the monumental rooms, where temperatures previously dipped into the 50s during the winter. Other improvements included a new electrical system for the first floor,
new audio visual and technology systems, and upgraded plumbing and fire alarms.
All the renovations were done with sensitivity to the building’s unique and historic nature, which resulted in the project being recognized with a Grand Jury Award from the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.
The overhaul has helped increase the use of Founder’s Hall. Not only has the building hosted the usual events such as the senior prom and alumni dinner, but the high school has begun using it for less formal events such as community period workshops and end-of-term award ceremonies, making it a more integral part of the life of the Girard community.
MUSEUM HOURS
The museum is open for dropin visits Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and one Saturday a month. Kathy Haas, Director of Historical Resources, is available to give guided tours for visiting groups. Contact Kathy in advance at khaas@girardcollege.edu to schedule a tour.
Sharing the Girard College Philanthropy Story,
Then and Now
Thanksto a generous donation from William Seibert, Jan. ’48, and his family, Girard College recently installed an iWall. This interactive video display, featuring a custombuilt 4K touch screen, gives users an enriching hands-on experience through engaging storytelling.
Located on the first floor of Founder’s Hall, the iWall shares the philanthropic story of Girard College. It begins with Stephen Girard’s journey from Bordeaux, France, where he rose from a modest upbringing to become the wealthiest man in America. Despite navigating a turbulent world, he built an extraordinary legacy of success and philanthropy.
A new iWall, which was recently installed in the lobby of Founder’s Hall, tells the philanthropic story of Girard College.
This story continues more than 175 years later with the unwavering generosity of today’s supporters. These modern benefactors uphold Girard’s commitment to education and opportunity, ensuring that his dream of transforming lives through learning continues to thrive. The iWall showcases the rich philanthropic history of Girard College and how current supporters honor Girard’s legacy, playing a crucial role in empowering the next generation of scholars to achieve their full potential.
We thank Bill and his family for providing this unique opportunity to Girard College, and we look forward to all our visitors experiencing the new iWall! Be sure to stop in Founder’s Hall the next time you visit campus to read and listen to this amazing story and see our most recent Honor Roll of Donors.
Seibert, pictured with his late wife Joan and his eight daughters, donated the funding for the new iWall in Founder’s Hall.
New Student Center Provides Place for Learning and Playing
InApril, students and staff celebrated the grand opening of the new Student Center in Manley Hall, a multi-use recreation and learning space for elementary and middle school students.
The center features a large screen TV, classic arcade games, two basketball hoops, and a lounge area for reading or studying.
“This is a special place where students in grades 1 to 8 can come together to learn, play, and build connections with one another,” President David Hardy said during the celebration.
The project, coordinated by the Office of Student Experience, demonstrates the school’s commitment to the strategic priority of providing students with the resources and facilities they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
President Hardy noted that the Student Center is a “reaffirmation of our dedication to improving the facilities at Girard College.”
“We believe that by investing in our infrastructure, we are investing in the future success of our students,” he added.
Bill
Students enjoyed celebrating the opening of the new Student Center in Manley Hall this spring.
Atiyah Harmon
FEARLESS STEM LEADER AND FOUNDER OF BLACK GIRLS LOVE MATH
1993
was a historic year at Girard College. This was the year that the first female students graduated from the high school. This also was the year that Atiyah Harmon,’98, a curious and shy seventh grader, completed her first year at Girard, ready to face the unknown paths before her.
By the time Atiyah was a senior in June 1998, she had become an exceptional student-athlete, taking honors classes, and helping the track team earn a second-place medal in the 4x100 relay during the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state track and field championships under the direction of former Girard coach Richard Leek.
Coach Leek was like a surrogate father to Atiyah, and he helped her see the potential that she did not always see in herself. He had one mantra: “Don’t lie. Don’t cheat. Don’t steal.” He was incredibly special to her, so much so that they stayed connected years after she graduated from Girard. A day before he died of a heart attack in February 2014, Atiyah and Coach Leek talked on the phone. Little did she know that would be the last conversation she would have with her dear mentor and friend.
After Girard, Atiyah attended Penn State University and the University
of Pennsylvania, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human development, respectively. She later returned to Girard as a residential advisor and track coach. The former student turned coachmentor then decided to change careers and become a teacher. Becoming a teacher was a natural career progression. But she wasn’t going to become just any teacher, she was going to become a math teacher.
She pursued a second master’s degree in education from Teachers College, Columbia University and began a trailblazing path to educate young people in math. What she discovered was the stark difference between how black boys and girls accept and understand math. Early on, the playing field is equal between both groups but by middle school, the confidence level of girls subsides.
By 2020, Atiyah had advanced through the ranks in educational leadership, even becoming a principal before transitioning to an administrative role where she helped with developing math and science assessments at local charter school networks. Her work ethic was unmatched, but her observations and efforts regarding math education, particularly around black girls, was unsettling to her. Hence, Black Girls Love Math (BGLM)™ was born.
Before BGLM, there were few resources focused on educating young black girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
subjects. Antonio Vance, her friend, and board chair of BGLM encouraged her years before to consider creating a space for black girls to love and enjoy math. Atiyah pulled from her experience of being a math educator and tutor to create the purpose behind BGLM: to allow black girls to find their confidence with how they learn and understand math. Atiyah prioritized getting to know the girls as people first and understanding their fears and anxieties around math comprehension.
The goal for her BGLM students was simple: to become fearless learners and produce a growth mindset to overcome any obstacle they encounter. Her proudest moments are watching her students’ progress in their ability to understand and enjoy math. She also took two of her own student ambassadors to Spelman College this past year to see what is possible in various STEM careers.
Through it all, Atiyah enjoys her students' energy and the endless pursuit of creating more opportunities for black girls to love math but more importantly, to love themselves. As she looks back over her life after Girard College, 12-year-old Atiyah would be proud of the woman she has become today.
Dr. Edward Gallagher, III
2024 STEPHEN GIRARD RECIPIENT CLASS OF 1999
Dr. Edward Gallagher, III ’99 comes from humble beginnings, and he is grateful for his Girard education. As the recipient of the 2024 Stephen Girard Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Girard College Alumni Association, Gallagher does not take the recognition lightly.
He came to Girard in 1991 as a fifth-grade student. His mother made the difficult decision to send him to Girard after struggling to raise him after the death of her husband years before. Gallagher thrived here at Girard and soon found that this school was exactly where he needed to be. The Girard campus became a second home where he transformed himself into a well-rounded student-athlete who took his academics seriously.
After graduating in 1999, he attended Temple University and worked as a student teacher in the spring before his graduation in 2004. Since then, he has held various positions at Girard, most recently being the Assistant Dean of the Upper School. He earned his Doctor of Educational Leadership degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and currently serves as the Assistant Head of School for Wilmington Friends School.
During his acceptance speech at Founder’s Day this year, Gallagher offered thanks to the brothers and sisters who have helped him along the way at Girard and beyond. He acknowledged the current students who were present on campus as well as fellow alumni who are making great strides in the world.
In essence, Dr. Gallagher is a walking testament of the Girard College experience. He loves the school and all the people who contributed to his success. His hope for the future is to make a difference in the lives of young people, in the same positive way that Girard has impacted his life. Hail Girard!
IN MEMORIAM
Remembering Peter Scotese
Peter Scotese, ’37, one of Girard College’s most distinguished alumni, passed away on July 25. He was 104.
Peter was born in Philadelphia in 1920 and never knew his father, who had died that same year. When Peter was eight years old, his mother enrolled him at Girard College.
Peter, a member of the National Honor Society at Girard, took accounting and business administration classes at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business while working in real estate and insurance. He earned a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts while serving in the military during World War II.
Peter served as chairman and CEO of Springs Industries, one of the nation’s largest textile companies. He also served as director of Bell & Howell Company, Congoleum Industries, Duty Free Shoppers, National Distillers and DeVry, Inc.
In 1970, Peter joined the Board of Trustees of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York and
IN MEMORIAM
served on the board until 1996. He was chairman during his final 13 years on the board; when Peter stepped down, the board unanimously named him chairman emeritus. Among his many efforts at FIT, Scotese led a capital campaign to build a new dormitory and galvanized support to fund the college’s state-ofthe-art student computer facility, now named in his honor. In 2004, FIT granted Scotese an honorary doctorate.
Over the course of his long and successful career in the textiles industry, Girard College continued to have a special place in Peter’s heart, both in terms of his incredible philanthropy and through his service as both a founder and the first Chair of the Girard College Board of Managers. He was honored with the Girard College Alumni Association’s Alumni Award of Merit and the Stephen Girard Award as well as Girard College’s inaugural Corinthian Award.
Till Our Hearts Be Still
Peter Scotese ’37
George Yeich ’38
William DeSavino ’41
K. Bruce Marion ’41
William Lewis Snyder ’46
Richard J. Finley Sr. ’47
Charles M. Reilly ’47
Robert E. Bartholomew ’48
Stanley J. Glowacki ’48
Frederick E. Sultzbach ’48
John Francis Glowacki Sr. ’49
Robert Corsini ’49
Bernard Narolewski ’50
James Raciti ’51
His motivation was simple: Peter always wanted to give back to the school that gave him his start in life. As he told the members of the Class of 1976 when he was the Commencement Speaker: “Girard will be a part of you for the rest of your life. That is true of me, and it will be true of you.”
According to an obituary written by his grandson Joe Petrucelli, Peter “took abiding pride in his 96-year relationship with Girard College, where he had been the oldest living alumnus actively involved with the institution.”
Ronald Davis ’52
Edward Swartz ’52
John Matthews ’53
Harold Jacobs ’55
Robert Pegg ’55
Harold G. Watkins ’55
Martin Phillips ’56
Alan Ault ’57
Bruce Perazzelli ’57
William Francis Bell ’58
James Charles Costello III ’58
Anthony Perrotta ’58
Anthony DeStefano ’59
Ray Frey ’59
David Sharp ’59
Joseph Alberici ’60
Roy Koch ’60
W. John Ronczka ’64
Matthew Cory ’65
Michelle Benns-Cook ’93
Adrian Boddie ’04
William T. “Bill,” “Billy” Marsee Former Residential Advisor
William O’Rourke Houseparent in Bordeaux Hall
Denise Paige
Former Residential Advisor
Peter Scotese, ’37
With the start of another school year at Girard College, we reflect on our connection to the past, having celebrated achievements and the tenures of beloved faculty who have retired. While looking forward to our strategic priorities and exciting new traditions for our scholars, we eagerly anticipate these new milestones ahead.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to our recently retired Chief Advancement Officer, Sylvia V. Bastani, who dedicated over five years to our mission. Her leadership and vision transformed the Advancement Office at Girard and will leave an indelible mark on our community. Through raising over $11 million for the school, spearheading the revitalization of Founder’s Hall, initiating discussions and plans for a STEM Center, and producing the world premiere of Be Holding on campus in Spring 2023, Sylvia’s legacy will live on at Girard for years to come.
We recently welcomed Robert Esposito as our interim Chief Advancement Officer. He will oversee the Advancement team and assist with planning and the search for a new Chief Advancement Officer.
As campus has come alive once more, it is exciting to see our students excelling in their academics, trying new experiences through sports and after-school programs, and building lifelong friendships.
We express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all our supporters. Your generosity is effecting change and has a transformative impact on our scholars, empowering them to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
Effecting Change…Transforming Scholars
With your support, we will continue to provide every student with the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence.
By investing in our scholars’ academic, residential, social and emotional development, you ensure that they acquire the skills and practices to become lifelong learners and leave a lasting impact in our communities.
With your gift, you honor Girard’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, social growth, and emotional intelligence in talented students from underserved communities.
There are multiple ways to support the Students of
GIFTS OF CASH
Give securely and easily online: www.girardcollege.edu/support
Give by check
Checks can be made to The Fund for Girard College and mailed to:
The Fund for Girard College
Attn: Advancement Office 2101 S College Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19121
GIFTS OF STOCK
If you are interested in donating stock, please reach out to the Advancement Office to obtain a Stock Transfer Request Form to begin this process.
GIFTS THROUGH YOUR IRA
As a Qualified Charitable Distribution (CQD) this is an easy way to support our students.
EITC & OSTC PROGRAMS
The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs allow businesses and individuals to receive significant tax credits while supporting educational initiatives. By participating you can direct your PA tax dollars to Girard College, helping us support our students, their innovative programs and essential resources, while receiving a PA state tax liability credit!
Stephen Girard’s legacy has made possible a life-changing education for over 22,000 students. Your legacy can, too! Consider making a planned legacy gift to Girard College, just as our founder did.
Learn more about Legacy Giving options: www.legacy.girardcollege.edu
Have questions? Want to discuss these options for giving further? Reach out to the members of the Office of Advancement at 215-787-4436 or via email: advancement@girardcollege.edu
