Sean Penn has just won the Academy Award for best actor for his role in the Clint Eastwood film "Mystic River." Penn made his film debut in the 1981 Stanley Jaffe production "Taps," which was filmed at the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne. The 21 year old Penn played a cadet at a military school in turmoil. One significant scene involved Penn encountering a gang on North Wayne Avenue in the middle of Wayne, with many local landmarks visible in the background. Penn was praised for his acting in the film, praise which would continue in later films and would give Penn four Oscar nominations. Penn's connection with Wayne is small, yet significant, considering he was unknown before "Taps."

Congratulations to Mr. Penn. Come back any time!