Henderson High hosts 34th Black Student Union banquet

West Chester Area School District’s Henderson High School recently hosted its 34th annual Black Student Union Scholarship Banquet (BSU). This year’s banquet, with a theme of “Strength in Unity,” brought together students, staff, administration, alumni, school board members, and community members. Attendees included Pennsylvania state Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-156, West Chester Mayor Dianne Herrin, and WCASD school board members Joyce Chester and Dr. Kate Shaw. The banquet is held each year at the end of February to mark the end of Black History Month.

BSU members welcomed guests, followed by the playing of the African American Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” District Superintendent Dr. James Scanlon then offered up his remarks.

“As I was signing the anthem, a couple of the words resonated with me and I thought that maybe our country could learn a few things from this song,” said Scanlon.

“’God of our weary years, God of our silent tears.’ As I was singing that line, I couldn’t help but think of the families and the victims in Parkland, Florida with the tragic school shooting that took place, and how we have weary years of fight for gun control and for mental health solutions in our communities and schools. I thought about Black History Month and throughout our time here in West Chester, the long fight against racism in our country. So perhaps, our entire country can learn from this particular song and the powerful message it sends.”

Scanlon concluded his remarks by asking for a moment of silence for the victims of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

This year’s keynote speaker

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Henderson High School Black Student Union members display their certificates of appreciation along with West Chester Mayor Dianne Herrin left, state Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-156, Kyle J. Boyer, and West Chester Area School District staff.

State Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-156, and Dr. John Hewlett Award recipient Robert Bruckman.