Edsel At Edsel

Mr. Edsel B. Ford II will deliver the commencement address to the graduating class of 2012 at the school named after his grandfather, Edsel Ford High School. The school is located at 20601 Rotunda, Dearborn 48124. The annual graduation ceremony will take place June 15 starting at 6:00 p.m.

“It is an honor to have Mr. Ford attend our commencement and share his wisdom and advice with the class of 2012,” commented Edsel Ford Principal Mr. Hassane Jaafar.

Construction of Edsel Ford High School began in the spring of 1954 and, although not totally complete until 1956, the school opened in the fall of 1955. Edsel Ford High School sits on a 47 acre site that was donated by Ford Motor Company. The school naming committee chose to honor Edsel Ford because of his many contributions to education through the Ford Foundation. Following Edsel Ford's untimely death in 1943, it seemed fitting that a school be named in his honor. Current enrollment at Edsel Ford is just under 1,500 students.

Mr. Edsel B. Ford II is the great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company. His grandfather is Edsel B. Ford, company president from 1919 to 1943. His late father, Henry Ford II, was president of the company from 1945 to 1960 and chairman from 1960 to 1980.

Mr. Ford's career at Ford Motor Company spans more than 25 years. He was named president and chief operating officer of Ford Motor Credit Company in May 1991 and elected a company vice president on December 9, 1993.

Mr. Ford is very active in several charitable organizations. His community leadership positions include serving as the former chairman of the National Advisory Board of the Salvation Army and board member of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.