Mercersburg Academy's campus welcomed families and alumni last weekend. They shared cherished traditions, attended classes, and celebrated the community that defines the school. From Step Songs echoing off the mountains to the glow of the bonfire on Tippetts Beach, the weekend offered students a chance to share their Mercersburg experience with those who matter most.
Family and Alumni Weekend are deeply rooted in Mercersburg history, serving a vital purpose beyond simple visitation. "They are particularly important traditions at schools that are predominately boarding, as they create the opportunity to build more community among parents, allow families to experience a taste of their children's lives at school, and, along with our alumni, celebrate traditions and attend athletic or performing arts events to cheer on our students," explained Quentin McDowell. He noted that throughout the weekend, the school also offered programming for college counseling, student life, and other key areas. Because the weekend has been running smoothly in recent years, McDowell said there were no major changes this fall.
For students, the weekend offered a break from routine and an opportunity to showcase their daily lives. "I definitely look forward to Family and Alumni Weekend. I like the break from our usual routine, and I love how the campus feels extra lively and connected as a community," said Kiran Innis '27. Revant Jear '28 echoed this sentiment, noting the excitement of having parents on campus and the chance for them to meet his friends and witness everyday student life.
Jack Pollinger '26 described it as "one of the best events of the year," explaining that the weekend embodies Mercersburg's motto "Define yourself here." For Pollinger, the weekend held personal significance as the chance to share his experience with his younger brother, who is not at Mercersburg. "Whether it is going out to dinner with your parents and friends, competing on such a large stage in front of a large crowd, or losing your voice during step songs while they all watch, I think it is a weekend that shows what Mercersburg and its motto are all about," he said.
The weekend's signature event, Step Songs, gathered the community in a display of school spirit and tradition. Band director Shami Beni explained the careful preparation that goes into the musical for the weekend. "At the first band practice of the year, we played through each Step Song to introduce them, then broke things down by individual pieces, starting with M-E-R, followed by Old Mercersburg, and finally the Alma Mater," Beni said. He worked separately with percussionists to fix the cadence, ensuring everyone felt confident with their parts, including veterans with new parts this year.
Beni views Step Songs as more than just a musical performance. "Honestly, I see it as the public school's version of a pep rally, where students and faculty come together to build excitement for upcoming games and welcome families," he said. "It plays an important role in showcasing school spirit and identity, not only for the students but also for families and alumni."
The bonfire on Friday night provided another memorable opportunity, though the logistics behind the tradition required a lot of preparation. Dean of Students Andy Brown explained that the grounds team saves materials throughout the summer and fall, building the fire structure on Wednesday or Thursday before the event. "On Friday, either students or myself will go out and start putting up newspaper and other stuff that will light easily to aid in lighting the fire," Brown said. When he is notified that students are on their way with torches, he's already at Tippetts Beach. The local fire department stood by during the event, if the fire was difficult to start, Director of Technology John Chepren would arrive with a blowtorch to help.
For students, the bonfire photos became a chaotic but memorable part of the experience. Noah Park '29 noted the challenge of getting big group photos but said it "truly adds to the experience." While Park mentioned that closing campus entrances caused his DoorDash driver some trouble, he appreciated the opportunity to watch various sporting events throughout the weekend.
Parents and alumni found a variety of ways to connect with the Mercersburg experience. Pollinger's father, Alex ‘89, attended classes to get a sense of the rigor his son had talked about, while also participating in college counseling meetings and attending the Blue/White swim meet, and, as Jack reported, "cheering on kids he didn't even know, but students and members of the community, nonetheless." Pollinger's final Family and Alumni Weekend as a student carried emotional weight for his parents. " In a bittersweet moment of this weekend coming to a close, I found joy in creating these memories with my family and best friends that will last a lifetime," he said.
Alumni returned to campus for many different reasons, many driven by their lasting connection to the school. Tearl Bradley '91, a founding member of the Black Student Union, explained his motivation: "I came back because of my commitment to the Mercersburg community, specifically with one of those communities being the Black Student Union that I was a part of." He also wanted to see former teachers including Jim Malone, Dave Holzwarth, Allison Stephens, and Andy Schroer. "It's a love for this school. It's a love for what this institution meant to me as a student, what it means to me as an alum, and for future generations of Mercersburg Academy," Bradley said.
Douglas Brennan '83 attended with his wife Anabela, parents of Simon ’26 and Matthew ’28, both happy to see their sons. "I enjoyed the classes at Mercersburg. They have certainly changed a lot over 40 years!" Brennan said. The couple attended a range of classes, particularly enjoying economics, math, and physics, the hands-on lab work in particular.
The weekend demonstrated how Mercersburg's traditions serve to strengthen the bonds between students, families, alumni, and the institution itself. Whether through the voices raised in Step Songs, the warmth of the bonfire, or attending a class together, Family and Alumni Weekend creates moments that stay long after the visitors depart. As the campus returns to normal, the memories made during these few days become part of the ongoing story that connects generations of the long blue line.