Forman Scholar Andrew Cadwallader Finding the Intersection Between Quaker Roots and Career in Politics
Andrew Cadwallader caught the first glimpse of his future during his junior year of high school when he helped renovate Salem’s Campbell Community Center. While spending countless hours over the course of a month alongside about 15 other students in the community, the Forman Scholar was reminded of how important giving back was to him.
“Campbell Community Center is a reminder of something that used to bring people together. Seeing something in our tight-knit community fall apart was difficult, and I knew that I could make a difference,” Andrew said. “Cleaning up the center is one of my fondest memories and really became a passion point for propelling my interest in serving those around me.”
Though he hasn’t officially declared his major yet, Andrew will begin his journey in political science and economics in the fall at Haverford College. His ultimate goal is to return to his Salem roots and work on his family’s farm, while also being involved in local politics – he might even run for a congressional seat one day. He is also extremely interested in attending graduate school after he completes his bachelor’s degree at Haverford.
Haverford’s Quaker heritage is not lost on Andrew, a lifelong member of the Salem Friends Meeting. He looks forward to drawing upon his own Quakerism as he contributes to his newfound community’s legacy of tolerance, integrity and equality.
Over the past four years, Andrew has kept busy. When he wasn’t fixing up homes in the community or tending to responsibilities on his family’s farm, he was igniting his enthusiasm for leadership at school serving as the President of Student Council, the President of his class and the President of the National Honor Society. Some of the largest events he spearheaded include a dodgeball tournament that served as a community fundraiser, teacher appreciation week, prom and the senior class gift. In addition to these activities, Andrew spent three years competing for Salem High on the school’s cross country and baseball teams.
“One of my fondest memories from senior year occurred during a cross country practice. It was toward the end of the year, so practices weren’t as intense as they usually were. Some of the guys found a big walking stick that ultimately turned into our team stick,” Andrew said. “We decided to paint it and write all of our names on it to keep it as a team memento. These moments of bonding were really important to me.”
Andrew also participated in Salem High’s International Baccalaureate program. The various courses he took part in further sparked his interest in politics and underscored how important it is for the actions of the government to reflect the needs and expectations of the people.
Andrew is most looking forward to broadening his horizons and expanding his community service activities to the Haverford and Greater Philadelphia communities. As a member of the Forman Acton Foundation’s Youth Board, Andrew spent time in high school working alongside the Foundation’s staff to support fellow Salem Rams as they headed off to college. He knows firsthand the support and encouragement the Foundation’s team is sure to provide as he now begins his own college experience.
“There is so much to get involved in on Haverford’s campus,” Andrew said. “The school even has a local farm known as the ‘Haverfarm’ that I can’t wait to explore. I’m also eager to meet like-minded classmates who share similar values and outlooks on life.”
As Andrew prepares for his exciting future at Haverford, he is taking some time to spend with family and friends, but he is also imagining all of the possibilities the next few years will bring.
“College is a time of exploration and discovery, and so I’m really interested in trying new and different things to uncover what my true passions are,” Andrew said. “I am ready to step out of my comfort zone and learn how I can best make a lasting impact on not only my local community but also the global community we all are a part of.”