In Greek mythology, Hephaestus is the God of fire and the patron of craftsmen. The aptly named Hephaestus Society is the school’s honor society dedicated to recognizing excellence in academically focused, competitive extracurricular activities.
Every year the faculty nominates students who are engaged in extracurriculars including The Index, The Haligoluk, Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, Pegasus, Robotics, and others.
The honor society was founded in 2014 and, according to Speech and Debate coach, Spanish teacher, and Hephaestus liaison Mr. Javier Lluch, “We wanted to give students who were competing in extracurricular activities the same recognition that students were getting for doing a sport.”
During the annual ceremony, inducted students receive a pin and have the opportunity to hear a guest speaker while they enjoy a dinner with faculty and peers.
This year’s speaker was Haverford alumnus Eli Wachs ’16. Mr. Wachs is the CEO and founder of Footprint, a company that helps other companies onboard new users with streamlined technology. He also started Tech Fights Dobbs (TFD), a group of privacy and women’s health companies using technology to help protect women. Mr. Wachs attended Stanford University, where he studied economics and history.
In addition to recognizing students who contribute to the school through their activities, one Sixth Former is named Hephaestus Megistos, the boy who most embodies the intellectual life of the school.
“When you find something you love, hold it – let it transpose you with happiness, excitement.”
Hephaestus Magistos Christopher Schwarting ’24
This year’s Hephaestus Magistos was awarded to Christopher Schwarting.
In his speech at the ceremony, Schwartiing reflected on the value of the Haephestus society. “By taking on the inherent risk of a Hephaestonian, you not only care about your own pathways but leave yourself open to new ones,” Schwarting said.
Concluding, Schwarting offered advice to every young Haephestonian, “When you find something you love, hold it – let it transpose you with happiness, excitement. Know that feeling of being transfixed and own it.”
