As part of character education at The Haverford School, every student learns about the school’s 24 core virtues. These range from integrity and initiative to honor and courage. Whether discussing perseverance in pre-kindergarten, or support during senior year, boys explore ways to be a helpful, impactful member of their community. Throughout the year, boys rotate learning about the virtues using age-appropriate discussions and activities.

Humility: The Haverford School’s Virtue of the Year

While each of the virtues holds weight, only one is elevated to Virtue of the Year. This year, the School’s Student Body President Josh Williams and Head of School Tyler Casertano selected humility. This virtue asks the Haverford School community to think about how they approach various forms of growth, challenges, and success.

The Importance of Humility: Insights from Head of School Tyler Casertano

In his opening remarks, Head of School Tyler Casertano underscored the importance of humility as a means to both provide and receive help. He also drew the distinction between having confidence and being arrogant. Confidence stands alongside humility, while arrogance is void of virtue entirely. He went on to point to humility being the ability for people to forge new relationships, take healthy risks, or step outside of their comfort zones.

“When we devote ourselves to humility, we reach new heights individually and collectively, and we develop true confidence to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Casertano. “Not a hollow, fake confidence, but an earned confidence that stands side-by-side with humility. A confidence that comes from knowing that we have an entire community behind us, helping us to become our best selves.”

Student Leadership: Embracing Humility for Personal Growth

Williams reiterated this for his peers in his Opening Day speech. No matter any previous success, Williams said, “without humility, we would be unable to see our flaws, and would in turn hinder further growth.”

Humility in Action: From Lower School to Upper School

This message resonates throughout the community, with Lower School boys tackling leadership opportunities, Middle School boys examining their impact on local communities with service projects, or in the Upper School as part of the Peer Counseling program. At every new challenge or venture, boys are encouraged to focus on humility to grow academically, emotionally, and personally.

Learn More About Character Development at The Haverford School

Learn more about Haverford’s approach to character development, leadership, and more at haverford.org/events.

Find out about Looks & Learns, events that offer small group visits at The Haverford School.