At the heart of every great school, students lead by example and mark the paths that transform boys into men. Within those students, you’ll find a rare one who holds the school together through passion, pure dedication, and a genuine love for what the school stands for.
They lead with quiet confidence, challenge others to rise higher, and offer warmhearted support in moments when it’s needed the most.
In all the years this school has seen, only a handful have carried that role naturally and wholeheartedly—among them is Sixth Former Connor Simpkins.
Even with Simpkins holding the position of Editor-In-Chief of The Index, Honor Council Chairman, Student Council member, and a Signet Society member, he stays humble, reflecting on his time here at Haverford as a gift.
“I arrived in eighth grade during the COVID-19 lockdown year. I was in a cohort with [now Sixth Formers] Josh [Williams] and Ian [Rosenzweig]. Funnily enough, some of my closest friends came from that cohort.”
Simpkins reflected, “My story is about the power of connection with others and how forging those connections is what leads to success.”
Head of School Mr. Tyler Casertano, who has watched Simpkins grow over the years, remembers his first impression well.
“I first met Connor during his Form III year. My first impression was that he was bright, polite, and positive.” Mr. Casertano continued, “I’ve been fortunate to work with him over the years, especially this year through his role as Honor Council Chairman.”
With Simpkins’ time here coming to an end, he’s realized what he holds close, after four long years of challenges, achievements, late-night laughs, and moments of growth that unfolded when no one was watching.
“What I hold closest are the relationships I’ve built, both with my friends and the adults who have guided me along the way,” Simpkins stated. “I’ve been lucky to find a group of friends who are not only hard-working and driven, but genuinely good people: these are guys who show up, who make you laugh, and who bring out the best in you.”
“What I love about Haverford is knowing I can walk into the office of a teacher or administrator and be met with real care and honest guidance. That kind of support isn’t just helpful, it’s formative.”
Connor simpkins ’25
Simpkins has immersed himself in many different clubs, driven by a desire to build community in every corner of Haverford while also following his passions wherever they lead. Along the way, in each of those pursuits, there have been teachers whose support has left a lasting mark.
“What I love about Haverford is knowing I can walk into the office of a teacher or administrator and be met with real care and honest guidance. That kind of support isn’t just helpful, it’s formative,” Simpkins declared. “Haverford has shown me what it means to build a community where people actually look out for one another and help each other be who they strive to be. That’s something I’ll carry with me, and something I hope to offer others in my own way moving forward.”
Simpkins’ effort to build such a community has been acknowledged by certain individuals, including Mr. Casertano.
“I’ve come to admire him greatly. He remains bright, polite, and positive, but I’ve also come to see how deeply thoughtful, selfless, and dedicated he is.” Mr. Casertano conveyed. “Connor loves Haverford and understands who we are at our best. He works tirelessly to help Haverford be that version of itself so that the school can bring out the best in all of us. That isn’t always easy.”
“I’m trying to be the kind of person who does the right thing even when there’s no reward for it. That sounds simple, but it’s actually hard. It means holding myself to an internal standard.”
Connor simpkins ’25
Simpkins doesn’t seek the spotlight, but he holds himself to a personal code that runs deeper than titles or praise. Whether leading the Honor Council or supporting a friend, he’s guided by a sense of responsibility that doesn’t waver when no one’s watching.
“I’m trying to be the kind of person who does the right thing even when there’s no reward for it. That sounds simple, but it’s actually hard. It means holding myself to an internal standard.” Simpkins expressed. “It means staying disciplined, even when no one would know if I took a shortcut. It means being kind, not because it gets noticed, but because it matters. I think a lot about integrity—not grandly or heroically, but in the quiet, everyday choices.”
Simpkins created this standard by asking himself, “Would I stand up for my younger self? Would my future self be proud?”
For Simpkins, it’s about recognizing our shared struggles and knowing that facing them together truly matters.
Being the glue that sticks the school together is fueled by pure passion.
“Being the Honor Council Chairman takes courage. You need to make difficult and, at times, unpopular decisions. And you represent the Honor Code, the Honor Council, and a standard that we all aspire to meet,” Mr. Casertano said. “That can be a heavy load to carry, and Connor has carried it with grace, wisdom, and a constant smile. I will miss him next year, but I am enormously grateful for all that he’s done for Haverford.”
Simpkins leaves us with one final note of advice—a reminder not just from his time at Haverford, but from the mindset that’s guided him through it.
“One of the best pieces of advice I’ve held onto is the reminder to be present, to really show up for my own life instead of always chasing what’s next,” Simpkins claimed. “It came from my advisor, Mr. Hart. I was probably stressing about college or the future, and he stopped me. He said, ‘No, don’t do that. Don’t wish this time away. Keep your boots on the ground here.’”