Plenty of famous people have roots in Pennsylvania and Chester County, including some who have attended schools here, writes Gina Lizzo for Main Line Today.
Whether it was high school, college, or even middle school, these celebrities walked down the same halls and classrooms of these institutions.
Screenwriter Brad Ingelsby is a Berwyn native who attended Archbishop John Carroll High School. While this high school is in Delco, he still has roots in the area. He’s known for HBO’s Mare of Easttown and the upcoming spinoff Task, both of which were partially filmed here.
Author Sara Shepard of Pretty Little Liars fame went to Downingtown West High School. The young-adult book series drew inspiration from growing up on the Main Line. It was later turned into a multi-season TV show on Freeform.
Houston Astros pro baseball player Chas McCormick is a West Chester native who went to Henderson High School. He was a Ches-Mont League champion in addition to his most recent title of World Series winner in 2022.
NBA player Mo Bamba went to Westtown School before later playing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Known for his height of 7 feet and a wingspan of 7’10, Bamba is currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Just over county lines in Wayne is Valley Forge Military Academy where J.D. Salinger graduated from in 1936. The Catcher in the Rye author wrote for the school’s literary magazine and wrote the poem that later became the academy’s anthem.
Read more about the other famous individuals who went to schools in Chester County at Main Line Today.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on VISTA Today in September 2024.
