All aboard!

Mercersburg Academy has hosted a number of fundraising events to provide aid to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. The most recent event occurred in the Lloyd Aquatic Center on Sunday, April 20. Ukrainian students Bella Levina ‘25 and Nadiia Honcharenko ‘25 put their heads together to organize and host a cardboard boat race in the swimming pool, with the funds raised going to United24, a Ukrainian governmental platform, to purchase Type C ambulances. 

They consulted Emily Parsons, Director of Experiential Education, for help. “We’ve done a fundraiser for Ukraine for the past three years,” stated Parsons. “Bella, when she was a freshman, was involved with the fundraiser where we sold donuts for Ukraine, and then we did the same thing last year.” Levina added, “I think it’s just become a tradition to help my home country and raise awareness about what’s going on, and I think that is the main reason why we keep doing it.” 

The idea of hosting a cardboard boat race came from DJ Weymuth, maker-space and robotics instructor. Levina said, “I started talking to him about doing a fundraiser. He suggested doing a boat race, and I was like, ‘That’s actually not a bad idea.’ I think we just stuck with it because it’s fun and engaging, and that’s what we were striving for.” 

Planning began in November. “It was a long process. We had to first start with the bureaucracy and fill out a bunch of forms, and then we had a bunch of meetings with Ms. Parsons, Mr. Weymuth,” stated Honcharenko. “It was very good teamwork. Faculty helped us a lot.” A major concern was safety, but participants did not need to take a swim test as lifeguards were on duty during the race. 

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a cardboard boat race at Mercersburg, so sometimes it’s hard for people to understand what it is. We tried lunch announcements, emails, videos,” Levina said. Their efforts resulted in considerable sign-ups across grades. “I honestly just really wanted people to have fun because if I wasn’t the organizer for this fundraiser, I would have entered this race so fast. I would have found a team and signed up because that’s something I’ve been dreaming of doing since I was really small. I think, for now, the goal is just to make it a fun event so that people can enjoy their time. Maybe next year they’ll know what it is better, and more teams will sign up.”

Participants embraced the spirit of the event wholeheartedly. Designs varied, ranging from pontoons to duct-tape paddles. Teams were eager to lend their support to Ukraine. William Tutt ‘25 said, “I love Ukraine, and I feel like it’s something that often gets forgotten with a lot of the other problems going on right now. I just wanted to come out and support.” Avallina Orfield ‘25 echoed his sentiment, saying, “I think this is a really good cause.” 

First, all teams raced against each other. Those in the top four then competed in the semifinals; after racing, everyone had fun in the water. “The competitors were phenomenal,” said Weymouth. “Super pleased with the enthusiasm. Wish the crowd was a little better and bigger, but overall, for the first year, I love it.”