On Friday, January 23, the Mercersburg Academy community gathered for a school meeting led by students Iman Zhakan '26 and Pema Namdol '25, and history department member Harvey Hinman, to revive an old school custom: Chapel Talks.
The idea to feature personal speeches emerged from the School Chaplain Task Force, where conversations about creating space for community members to speak freely about their differences led to nostalgia for the former practice. "Some of the people who had been here longer said that we used to have a tradition called 'Chapel Talks' (a sort of 'this I believe' speech by students or employees)," explained Associate Head of School Jennifer Craig, who worked with the task force. "Ultimately, we so enjoyed hearing about everyone and their different backgrounds on the 15-person task force that we thought we should try to resurrect it sooner rather than later."
Assistant Head of School for Community and Culture Steven Lee planned the inaugural meeting. "I was approached and asked to be a speaker, and I immediately said yes," Zhakan ‘26 said. "I think it was a great opportunity to tell a story, and I am never opposed to that."
Zhakan's speech took a personal approach, sharing a unique story that challenged the audience to reconsider how they perceive moments of beauty. Though initially worried his message might not resonate, Zhakan "just wanted the school to be more open to the unique experiences each individual has had."
Jennica Nyguen '27 said, "Iman's story was very personal and unique to him, which made me realize how moments of beauty are often undermined by a lack of understanding or confusion.” She additionally expressed her connection to Namdol’s story: "My name also isn't common in my home country and even more so in the United States."
Namdol’s speech centered on navigating multiple identities, using the different names people have called her throughout her life to illustrate moments of her experience. "Being split between worlds isn't something that you should be scared of, but something you should embrace," Namdol stated. She believes this message resonated deeply with the Mercersburg community: "I know a lot of our community is split between life at home and life at school, so it is important for people to know that they aren't alone."
Hinman's speech explored the concept of wonder, though he admitted the process wasn't straightforward. "When Mr. Lee first asked me to speak, I had no idea what I wanted to say, so I procrastinated," he confessed. After starting with a graduate school essay and revising multiple times, he crafted a narrative that balanced entertainment with meaning. "I wanted to offer the school something that would have some entertaining elements and share a bit of how I've come to find meaning in my life."
Craig emphasized the importance of these diverse stories to Mercersburg's identity. "Different beliefs—studying, trying to understand, exploring, and talking about those beliefs and stories—are at the heart of so much good, creativity, and positive action in the world," she said. While acknowledging that much of Mercersburg's history stems from a narrower cultural background, she noted that these speakers "demonstrate multiple different facets of the people who make Mercersburg" today.
All three speakers expressed enthusiasm about continuing the stories. "I hope we continue this practice so that others get to share their stories; I'm eager to hear them all!" Hinman remarked. Zhakan echoed the sentiment: "Definitely would do it again."