Alumni Society President William A. Gallagher Jr. OPC ’91 with his mother, Mary, and PC teacher and coach Patrick McDonough OPC ’90.
Head of School Darryl J. Ford presented a state-of-theschool message – It is strong! – and previewed the emerging goals of Penn Charter’s new strategic plan. Ford promised that the plan would secure the future of the school by building on the very best of Penn Charter’s traditions of excellence and collaboration – and by designing programs on the cutting edge of educational innovation. “Some aspects of this plan may be very new,” Ford said, “and some will remain constant.” Two of those constants, Ford said, are eager students and stellar teachers. “We entered into this process from a position of strength:
On behalf of his class, David M. Jaspan OPC ’86 presented the school a 25th reunion gift of almost $27,000, which was raised in honor of classmate Matthew T. Miller OPC ’86. Jaspan’s son, Luke, is now in fourth grade at Penn Charter, and Jaspan visits school at least a few times a week. “When I drive by the new turf field, I remember the old field where we played lacrosse and soccer,” Jaspan said. “I hear echoes of Matt’s voice when he captained us and would call us to the middle of the field, before the game would start, and say: Sticks in. Ready boys … one, two, three, Charter.” The Class of 1986 designated that the gift be used for financial aid and to contribute to the cost of a Matt Miller Garden in Chigwell Close. The garden, featuring a pergola, millstone water fountain, seating and plantings, is designed for outdoor teaching, socializing and relaxing. Jaspan said he couldn’t think of a better way to honor his friend, who died four years ago following surgery for a brain tumor. “If he were alive, he would be sitting outside with an arm across the back of bench, entering into conversation with passing students about their day, their sports, their activities. Matt could talk with anybody and make them feel comfortable.” View photos of the Nov. 12 garden dedication at www. flickr.com/photos/penncharter/sets.
J. Freedley Hunsicker Jr. OPC ’61 spoke on behalf of his class at the 119th Annual Alumni Reception, noting that 37 of the living members of the 75-member graduating class attended the reunion. “It is a special night for all of us, and especially for the class of 1961.” Hunsicker had the honor of presenting the school with a gift of more than $400,000. He praised three members of the class – Duncan McFarland, Raymond Vickers and Herbert “Pug” Winokur – who each pledged $100,000 to a 50th reunion gift and entered into a triple challenge to match any classmate’s gift, the equivalent to a 3-to-1 match. “We got so much from our education here, so much from our beloved teachers, that we wanted to give back. The school has meant so much to us.”
John F. Gummere Distinguished Teacher Award: Charles H. Brown In recognition of his outstanding scholarship, teaching and character, the Alumni Society awarded Charles H. Brown the John F. Gummere Distinguished Teacher Award, adding his name to a list of remarkable Penn Charter faculty. Michael McKenna OPC ’02, who was a student of Brown’s as well as a swimmer and water polo player for teams Brown coached, e-mailed a tribute to the teacher who inspired him in his own career. McKenna could not be there because he is himself a teacher and was escorting students on a trip to Washington, D.C. “Charlie has taught me everything I know about being a
teacher and a coach,” McKenna said. “I try to emulate him in everything I do as a teacher.” McKenna came up with “top 10 rules for being Charlie Brown, the best teacher, coach and mentor that anyone could ask for,” a list that was both playful and wise. Here are four of the 10: Number 10: Don’t shave or cut your hair too often — a good beard and long hair can keep people guessing about your age for years. Number 9: Always over-analyze, plan and strategize for all sporting events. It is totally legitimate to analyze middle school baseball players’ hitting tendencies in late-game situations. Number 6 : Always make the simple extraordinary. Number 1: Love! Love what you do. Love the kids you work with, the teachers you teach with and love your family. Your unconditional love and support will rub off on students, and they
Fall 2011 The Magazine of William Penn Charter School
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