Communications Coordinator, Co-Director of Student Belonging, Librarian, Front Desk Staff
Penn Ward
Penn Ward is in his 11th year at Orchard House, making him a true career middle schooler here. With a varied background that includes nannying, a graduate degree in literature, substitute teaching, and founder of much-missed RVA punk venue Strange Matter, Penn loves computers and people equally and enjoys being able to combine software and heart to get people the information and care they need. He thrives in spaces of excitement around learning and is his happiest living by the routines of an academic calendar. Penn spends his days at Orchard House as Librarian, Front Desk Staff, Communications Coordinator, facilitator of the LGBTQIA+ student affinity group Spectrum, Co-Director of Student Belonging, and unofficial baker of faculty and staff birthday cakes.