Dear learners and families,
This week, we ask you to join us and take a moment to memorialize Mrs. Fanny J. Coppin (1837-1913), whom we honor because in 1869 she became the first Black woman to hold the position of school principal in the United States. It’s incredibly inspiring to pause and consider how Mrs. Coppin, born enslaved, committed herself to her education and, as a free woman, devoted her life to providing education for others. She exemplified the words “Free to Think, Inspired to Lead.”
We encourage you to find two striking similarities between her school programs and that embedded within our school program:
Coppin State University: Fanny Jackson Coppin Biography
Philly’s 7th Ward: Francis M. Jackson Coppin, Black Educator Hall of Fame
We honor and thank Mrs. Fanny J. Coppin for her inspiration to lead.
Yours in unity,
The SCVi Leadership Team
Nicole Padovich, Director, Upper School and Operations
Nessa Roffredo, Director, Lower School
Tina Toval, Leadership Resident