Palandro-Ferry Foundation Creates Endowment At Philadelphia High School For Creative & Performing Arts In Memory of Joseph Ferry
June 7, 2021—The Board of the Palandro-Ferry Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce that it has established an annual endowment to honor the late Joseph Ferry at his alma mater, the Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA).
Ferry graduated as part of CAPA’s class of 2000. A talented, lifelong musician who was an active participant in many of CAPA’s band and concert activities during his time at the School, Ferry was also a longtime, dedicated Mummer as a saxophone player in the South Philadelphia String Band.
This year’s endowment included a $500 contribution to CAPA’s music program. It is a very intense program where students get instruction in instrumental music for more than 90 minutes a day. Students also have opportunities to be a part of eight different performance groups. Many students attend college for music performance and education.
The Foundation also gave an individual award of $500 to student Joshua Peeler. Peeler was selected by the School’s Principal Joanne Beaver because his commitment to his academic and musical goals mirrors those of Ferry when he attended CAPA. Joshua is an 18-year-old senior who is graduating this month. He will be attending Temple University in the Fall majoring in Jazz Studies & Performance.
Both presentations were made on Thursday, May 27 by the Foundation’s Jeanne and Dennis Palandro, Sr., the parents of Dennis Palandro, Jr., who was also tragically killed in the same accident as Ferry on January 2, 2019.
For further information about the Foundation’s mission and activities, or to make a contribution, visit palandroferryfoundation.org.