Octavius V. Catto Will Return to Philadelphia
In 2026 to host a historic graduation ceremony
Young Scholars Take Heed!
It is with great elation that we announce the imminent return of Professors Octavius V. Catto and Carolyn LeCount to the City of Brotherly Love, where they shall preside over distinguished graduation exercises at the Institute for Colored Youth. All pupils of learning and lovers of liberty are summoned to prepare, for this occasion shall not be ordinary. Nay—it shall be a noble reenactment of those historic examinations wherein Black youth did prove their wit, courage, and devotion to the cause of Freedom. Let every scholar ready their minds, for history now calls upon thee to take thy rightful place in its unfolding!
Caroline Lecount is on her way
What is The Institute for Colored Youth?
Founded in 1851 with great purpose and higher aims, the Institute for Colored Youth stands as a beacon of learning and moral elevation for the descendants of Africa.
Here, young men and women are not merely taught their letters and sums—they are trained to think, to reason, to speak truth to power, and to walk with dignity in a world that oft forgets their worth.From Latin declensions to the laws of geometry, from debates on democracy to the sciences of the stars, the halls of this Institute echo with knowledge hard-earned and proudly held.
It is no ordinary school—it is a forge, where character is tempered and futures are set alight.Those who enter its doors do not leave as they came. They depart scholars, citizens, and servants of justice.
Who is Graduate LeCount?
Required Textbooks Now Posted
Esteemed readers, prepare thyselves!
The brilliant Miss Caroline LeCount—educator, activist, and defender of dignity—is said to be en route to join the Institute for Colored Youth. A woman of great learning and greater courage, she once defied the laws of injustice to demand rightful passage upon our city’s streetcars.
Whispers in the hallways declare she may soon teach a course most grand on Citizenship, Conduct, and the Courage to Speak Truth. Should she arrive as foretold, students must bring their best penmanship, boldest questions, and a heart stirred by justice—for such is the measure of a LeCount scholar.
Students will do Well to Prepare
Senior Class textbooks have now been posted. Students are required to visit the Library to become well acquainted with subjects prior to the start of the fall semester.
New Essay Contest
Meet The Seniors
Who is Caroline Still?
It gives us great pleasure to introduce to our readers Miss Caroline Still, one of the brightest ornaments of the senior class. Her mind is distinguished by a rare precision in mechanical reasoning, and her instructors commend the clarity with which she solves the most intricate problems of Natural Philosophy. In every exercise she exhibits both modesty and mastery— a combination most worthy of imitation by her fellow scholars. We look forward to her continued distinction in the scientific studies that mark the present term.
Students are hereby notified that the Annual Essay Contest is now open to all members of the Institute who wish to display their powers of thought and composition. The writer of the winning essay shall have the honor of appearing upon the stage during Commencement Exercises, reading their work before faculty and guests, and sharing the platform with none other than Professor Octavius V. Catto himself. An appropriate period costume will be procured for the occasion, so that the victorious student may present themselves with proper dignity and grace befitting this noble institution.
