On April 14, 2025, Mercersburg launched an effort to take learning beyond the classroom with “Ex-Ed Day,” short for Experiential Day. Each grade had an opportunity to explore assigned goals through hands-on experiences. While the day varied for each class, the intention was the same: to encourage personal growth and build a stronger, more connected community.
“With the shift away from intensives, we decided to have an experiential day to fill that gap,” explained Emily Parsons, Director of Experiential Education coordinated the events. “I hope that students were aware of leadership, global citizenship, and their strengths. And also that they made new friends by hanging out with people they wouldn’t normally.” The day emerged through collaboration between faculty and was tailored to reflect where students are in both their personal and academic journeys.
The Class of 2028 visited the Conococheague Institute, where they explored life in 18th-century Pennsylvania. Moving through stations featuring archery, traditional dance, colonial medicine, and games, students experienced early American life. Grade dean Jamar Gaulbreath said, “For the Class of 2028, we discussed the fact that they are no longer the new kids on the block, so we wanted to allow them to reflect and think of themselves as leaders.” The activities emphasized group bonding and self-reflection, encouraging students to notice how their leadership evolved across the challenges. Hailey Huang ‘28 observed, “I learned about taking initiative and leadership, and the importance of working together.”
The Class of 2027 spent their time in nature at Cowans Gap State Park. With games, hiking, and discussion, the day was designed for the class to increase their sense of belonging in the Mercersburg Academy community. Tim Kerr, grade dean for the Class of 2028, stated, “They enjoyed each other’s company out in nature without technology, and had a nice day away from school and away from the pressures,” he said. “I think it was an absolute success.” Students agreed, “I was really surprised about how fun it was,” said Teagan Mewett ‘27. “I thought that it wouldn’t be that fun because they were taking our phones, but we ended up connecting more than ever.” Zoe Kerf ‘27 added, “I collaborated with people I wouldn’t normally, and learned that you shouldn’t have a negative mindset going into something just because of the people in it.” Throughout the day, students considered how personality and perspective shape collaboration, ultimately creating presentations or prototypes to express what they had learned.
The Class of 2026 traveled to Washington, D.C., where they explored the question “How am I becoming a global citizen?” through visits to historic monuments, museums, and government buildings. Students split into three groups for a variety of experiences. One group visited the National Archives, had lunch at the National Portrait Gallery, and met with a former ambassador. Another group took a walking tour from the Lincoln Memorial to the American History and Natural History Museums. A third explored government buildings, including the Supreme Court and the Capitol. Grade dean Andy Brown called it a “fantastic opportunity” for students. “If they hadn’t gotten the chance to see D.C. before, I’m glad they had that opportunity. There are a lot of cool things, as far as government and memorials, so it’s a great place to learn a little more about America and its past.” Sophie Oh ‘27 enjoyed her visit to the Supreme Court: “It was a really interesting experience,” she said. “I never really thought you could go into there, but it was great to get to know the place that's making all the decisions about the laws and policies in the U.S.”
Meanwhile, the Class of 2025 remained on campus. After a year of trading letters with elementary school students, the pen pals met up in person. Seniors considered: How can I be the best leader when I leave Mercersburg? Cindy Fowler, grade dean for the class, described the meet-up as an opportunity for seniors to recognize the impact they have on others. “It revolved around them being role models,” she said. “It was connecting with younger students, and then having that opportunity to realize what it means to be a leader, a role model, and how to set an example.” Taimur Rehman ‘25 agreed, stating, “I think we left the day feeling like we made a positive impact on these kids' lives and that these kids made a positive impact on our lives.”
Jo Wrzesinsky praised the effort that went into making the day meaningful: “I think that the work Ms. Parsons did in organizing it and planning it was really, really impactful, especially with some of our younger students.”
From colonial homesteads to hiking trails, or the National Archives to a lunch table with a pen pal, Ex-Ed Day was more than just a break from school; it was a day about connection, purpose, and others. It was a chance to see the Mercersburg community through a new lens.