During his four years at Haverford, Sixth Former J.C. Chapman has come to measure his high school experience not only by his classes, but also by the habits, relationships, and responsibilities he has developed along the way. From challenging coursework to leadership roles and a widening sense of community, Chapman’s time on campus has been defined by steady growth and an expanding understanding of leadership.
For Chapman, his most formative class is U.S. History* with history teacher Mr. Timothy Lengel.
“It was definitely my hardest class,” Chapman said. “But there were so many core writing and history skills that I learned in that class; doing the research papers, learning footnotes, annotated bibliographies. It was really helpful for my growth as a historian and a student.”
This year, Chapman was elected into the Signet Society.
“As a freshman at Camp Saginaw, I remember seeing the Signet Society guys and how impressed I was by them,” Chapman said. “So being elected by my peers to be one of those guys is a really great honor.”
Still, Chapman quickly learned that the position carries unexpected expectations.
“You have to look like a leader not only to your own grade, but also to the younger guys,” Chapman said.
Maintaining that standard in the hallways and on campus can be difficult, especially “when it’s easy to slack off or just goof around,” but Chapman aims to set the example, especially for the freshmen.
Not only is he looked up to by the student body as a Signet member, but also as a brother. J.C. Chapman is the oldest of three Chapman brothers attending the school. Being a brother has pushed him to be someone his younger brothers can look up to. While many brothers may feel embarrassed attending the same school, Chapman feels the opposite.
“It’s nice to have your people there with you, I really enjoy them being here with me,” Chapman said. “I really have to cherish this year, it’s special that I can go to school with one of my siblings, let alone two of them.”
As a busy student, Chapman engages in Model U.N., Mock Trial, Honor Council, sports, and more. Balancing these commitments with schoolwork requires significant discipline from Chapman—his favorite strategy is focusing on schoolwork at the local library.
“What I like to do is go over to Ludington Library after school with some of my friends, and then kind of lock in there before doing any type of athletic or social activities,” Chapman said.
Chapman credits his parents, family, and close friends for giving him support—especially during exams and test periods.
“I think I have a really good group of friends who are always there to support me, helping me out on tests and schoolwork,” Chapman said.
“I’ve tried just about every sport and every club, and that’s not to say I’ve stuck with all of them, but I’ve found a few things that I really like and rolled with them.” – JC Chapman
Contrasting with his Third Form year, Chapman is a lot more willing to meet with teachers for support now.
“It made a big difference for me,” Chapman said.
As Chapman cruises through his Sixth Form year, he hopes younger students embrace a widely-echoed Haverford message of being unafraid to try new things.
“I’ve tried just about every sport and every club, and that’s not to say I’ve stuck with all of them, but I’ve found a few things that I really like and rolled with them,” Chapman said.
Above all, Chapman exalts Haverford’s cultural brotherhood.
“The way guys show out not just for the sporting events, but for the theater productions and other non-athletic events. Everybody wants to see their peers and classmates succeed,” Chapman said. “I think that’s just a great thing.”