Junior Awarded Prestigious Silver Duke of Edinburgh International Award

In a distinguished ceremony yesterday, His Royal Highness Prince Edward personally bestowed two prestigious Duke of Edinburgh International Awards upon SCH junior Roman McNichols. This globally recognized program, founded by Prince Philip in 1956, celebrates young leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to personal development through a diverse array of challenging endeavors and community contributions. McNichols received both bronze and silver awards from the prince.

Prince Edward’s two-day visit to Philadelphia included the ceremony at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum to present the awards to local recipients, as reported by WHYY. “Having this recognition is just beyond what I could have asked for,” McNichols told the news. Enjoy the WHYY clip featuring the British royalty and hear from McNichols here.

“Years of hard work and dedication to endeavors about which Roman is intensely passionate were recognized yesterday at this annual ceremony,” said Matt Norcini, head of Upper School and McNichols' advisor, who attended the ceremony. “Very few students in the Philadelphia area have met the expectations of the Bronze medal. Roman’s work not only earned him a Bronze medal, but a Silver medal, as well. I have seen the tenacious and unwavering dedication with which Roman pursues everything he does. And, what I appreciate most about Roman is that he dedicates himself to these tasks not because he has to but because he loves to do them. Roman’s work embodies the mission of our school, the value of SCH’s long partnership with Outward Bound, and his incredible potential to effect positive change.” 

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program emphasizes community service, outdoor recreation, skills development, and physical activity, fostering well-rounded individuals. To achieve the silver level, McNichols dedicated at least one hour per week for a total of 26 hours to activities in four key areas:

• Adventurous Journey: McNichols embarked on a three-week expedition in North Carolina through the Philadelphia Outward Bound School. He decided to pursue a Duke of Edinburgh International Award after receiving SCH’s Edward Morris McIlvaine '95 Memorial Scholarship in spring 2023, which enabled him to take part in a two-week expedition that summer.
• Physical Recreation: A captain of the SCH cross country team, McNichols consistently pursued running as his physical activity.
• Skill: Honing his woodworking skills through an internship at Philadelphia Woodworks in Manayunk, he achieved a new skill, prepping materials, building furniture, and turning bowls on the lathe.
• Volunteering: Demonstrating a commitment to his local environment, he volunteered weekly with the Friends of the Wissahickon for several years. His activities, each Sunday, have included removing invasive plants, planting trees, and picking up trash.

McNichols’ impressive achievement highlights his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth and community engagement, showcasing the mission and values fostered at SCH. 

SCH junior Roman McNichols, at left, speaks with Prince Edward before a ceremony where he received prestigious bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh International Awards from the prince during his visit to Philadelphia. [Photo credit: WHYY]