Alex Cho '23 < Back #NVEW & 18+ Alex Cho '23 Last week was National Voter Education Week, a week dedicated to providing information and tools to new, young voters to encourage increased participation for the future. In Mercersburg, recently-turned 18-year-old students are looking to cast their ballots, “I do plan to vote [in the upcoming midterm elections] because I believe it is important and part of our job as citizens,” said Dylan Stiffler ‘24. Unlike Stiffler, there are some students who have decided to not take part in the midterm elections. “I won't be voting in the midterms since I think I don't have enough information yet to establish my own opinion, especially in the American political context,” said Jooa Lee ‘23 who has dual citizenship in both the United States and South Korea. Director of Community Engagement Emily Parsons stressed the importance of voting. She said, “As a person living in a democracy, I don't take it lightly at all because I know how easily it can be taken away. Voting is our voice and our power. As a teacher and as the Director of Community Engagement, I would love to find ways to expand this conversation.” Previous Next

Gigi Devlin '24 < Back Building a stronger Mercersburg with hope Gigi Devlin '24 The Schaff Lecture was held last Monday, January 30. The Schaff Lecture is an annual event made possible by the generosity of Charles Schaff ‘41. It brings to campus speakers on topics related to “fundamental human values - those principles that direct a person's decisions and actions because they clarify what is 'right' and what is 'wrong’,” said Reverend Will Whitmore. This year’s speaker was Dr. Yuval Levin, a social, cultural, and constitutional studies expert. The school chose Levin for “his expertise and perspectives on the role of community. As we continue to renorm our community in a post-pandemic world, it is important for us to consider what role institutions like ours play for the individuals who are involved in them,” said Whitmore, a member of the panel that selected the speaker. Addressing the role of institutions in a place like Mercersburg Academy or any school comes with its challenges. Levin said, “The hardest part is to overcome the sense of defensiveness that everyone has. People feel like they're being attacked when we talk about history and civics.” There is also a difference between speaking about this topic at private institutions compared to public institutions. Levin continued, “What’s relevant is the audience, and the audience is the rising generation. But public institutions have to speak for the whole community. They don't have the luxury of saying this is what we believe in and if you don’t like it you can leave. They serve everybody.” Levin believes teenagers are an integral part of civic education and engagement: “Teenagers play every role. The next generation is going to have to take possession of society for good and bad. That means knowing its problems, and its strengths. It’s never too early to start.” From the perspective of the students, Bob Hollis ‘24, a member of the Quinn-Ferguson Honors Seminar that had dinner with Levin prior to his lecture, said, “He was a really interesting speaker and he was a lot better to speak to at dinner with a smaller group because it came off as more personal. On stage, however, that aspect was lost. Politics is a hard thing to talk about, especially with high schoolers, even more so with high schoolers who don’t want to be there.” Another student, Ryan Casey ‘23, offered his insight, “To me, he was like a politician without the charisma. He was very repetitive, wasn’t able to grab my interest, and didn’t actually consider questions but instead took the time to hammer in points he had already said.” The lecture ended with a question from William Tutt ‘25, who asked the speaker what he wished everyone in the room would take away from the night. Levin responded with a note of hope. Hope is what he wanted students to take away from the night - hope in our institutions and in our future. Previous Next

Jelly Nguyen '24 < Back Dianna Lora Jelly Nguyen '24 Last Monday night, the Mercersburg Academy community gathered in the Simon Theater for the first endowed lecture of the year. This year’s speaker of the Jacobs Residency Lecture was Dianna Lora ’00, a Mercersburg graduate from the Bronx, New York who is now the licensing production manager at Zynga for the upcoming video game Star Wars: Hunters . Dianna Lora is a Bronx native. Her parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic. Lora’s parents did not speak much English, so their entertainment surrounded the Atari console in their home and the game The Legend of Zelda . Through a non-profit organization called “A Better Chance”, Lora was given the opportunity to pursue her high school education at Mercersburg Academy as a first-generation low-income student. As an Afro-Latina in a predominantly white community, Lora experienced culture shock. But through her perseverance, Lora’s hard work was rewarded when she earned a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and became the first person in her family to attend and graduate from college. At this year’s Jacobs Residency Lecture, the Mercersburg community was given the chance to listen to Lora’s life story chronicling her rise to success from a humble background. Explaining how Lora was chosen to be this year’s speaker, school chaplain Will Whitmore said, “Dianna Lora was chosen as the Jacobs Residency Lecturer due to her unique accomplishments and perspective. When talking about sense of place, addressing virtual space and gaming was a priority due to the interest in this from our student body. Dianna also brings a unique perspective as an alumna, LatinX woman. We felt the combination of this was valuable to our community. I got a lot of enjoyment hearing her story and being inspired by it. The slides were fun too!” Lora’s talk was well received and perhaps even changed the perspective of some. Charlie Xu ’26 was particularly fascinated with the unique way that Lora began her speech, having the whole community start it with her by pressing a virtual start button simultaneously. Olivia Wetzel ‘24 believed that the speech felt personal to her. “I connected with her passion and how she really liked her job. I think it showed that people should do what they love and how they can be successful and happy at the same time.” Alyssa Lee’s ’25 favorite part of the speech was when Lora talked about how Mercersburg changed her life and gave her more opportunities to succeed despite her starting point. Besides the talk, Lora also enjoyed a special dinner with the Latinx/Hispanic Student Union and the Black Student Union where she shared more details about her life story. Kevin Malo ’24, vice president of LHSU, felt he was greatly inspired by this more intimate conversation which provided a chance for him to relate to Lora even more. “ During our dinner talk, she explained her journey on how she made it from the Bronx to Mercersburg Academy, which hit very close to home for me. She mentioned that she participated in a program called A Better Chance, which is a program very similar to NJSEEDS, from which I graduated. It felt great to be able to relate to the child of immigrants and being able to make it out of a not so great town.” Deran Shippy ’25 of the BSU learned a lot from the experience. “What I gained from the talk was how you should always be the best version of yourself no matter what the circumstances are.” Malo added, “The speech made me feel emotional because I know the exact feeling she had in that moment; it was one of those ‘I made it’ moments.” Lora finally fulfilled her passion when she began working in the gaming field and cooperating with many high-profile companies and franchises in the industry, such as Ubisoft, Sony, and Cartoon Network. Coming from a modest background where she was, she said, expected to fail, she never gave up. Lora stands as a prime example of always fighting for your passion and dreams. Previous Next

Amanda Xi '25 < Back The glow of Christmas Amanda Xi '25 The Mercersburg Christmas Candlelight Service is a cherished holiday tradition that unites the school community in the beautifully illuminated Irvine Memorial Chapel. This year’s service will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, with two sessions at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, making it a must-see event for students and the greater Mercersburg community. Attendees will enjoy performances from student musical groups, including the String Ensemble led by Michael Cameron, the Chorale directed by Ben Demerath, and the Chapel Choir conducted by James Brinson. School Minister Will Whitmore will also read Bible passages and invite students to share readings. Preparation for the service includes the beloved "Greening of the Chapel." On the Friday night before the service, community members decorate the chapel with live greenery, like wreaths and garlands. Sisi Guo ‘25, a chapel greening participant, shared, "It was a lot of fun, and the decorating was enjoyable. The entire chapel smelled amazing from the wreaths, and everyone was excited to help." The service opens with Whitmore reading a passage from the Bible. Throughout the event, student volunteers also share scripture readings drawing from a range of traditions. Max Friedman '25 expressed his anticipation, saying, "This is my first time speaking in a candlelight service, but I am excited to speak. I am also a little nervous because I have yet to pick my passage." Three student performance groups will take the stage this year. The Mercersburg Chorale will perform nine selections, including carols and classic holiday tunes, with contributions from acapella groups Octet and Magalia. Octet member Mikahel Martínez-Arocho ‘25 says, "We have two special songs this year—one a cappella and the other a holiday medley. It’s more challenging than previous years when we only prepared one piece." The Chapel Choir, directed by James Brinson, has been rehearsing diligently throughout the fall term. "We are performing one song but have been practicing every week since the fall," said Maggie Coors '25. Brinson will also play “Silent Night” on the carillon, its bells projecting sound throughout the entire chapel, reverberating against the hills in the cold night air. The String Ensemble, featuring violinists, cellists, and violists, will perform several pieces. Cellist Thomas Zhu '26 says, "We are playing about five pieces. Practice started later this year, so we've worked intensely to prepare. Candlelight day is very packed—we begin rehearsing at 2 p.m. and finish after the final service at 7:30 p.m. But it’s fun, and we get lots of good food." Daniel Liu '25 commented on the event's unique character, saying, "Candlelight, unlike most other arts performances, combines the choir and the strings ensemble, creating a unique atmosphere. The chapel's acoustics add a special theatrical element that makes the experience unforgettable." From chapel ushers to performers and readers, the Mercersburg Christmas Candlelight Service showcases the school community’s unity and spirit during the holiday season. For those unable to attend, the service will also be live-streamed on the Mercersburg website. Previous Next

Maddie Mamoudis '27 < Back Ex-Ed Day: learning through connection Maddie Mamoudis '27 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. Previous Next

Maddie Chu '27 < Back Expanding administration Maddie Chu '27 Mercersburg Academy administrators are in the process of hiring an Assistant Head of Community and Culture, a role that is meant to "combine our efforts to build an equitable and inclusive culture with the critically important work already happening in the Office of Student Life" in the next evolution of student life, according to Head of School Quentin McDowell. The assistant head will report directly to McDowell, and Jennifer Craig, Associate Head of School, will report directly to McDowell. The new hire will take on a "blending of roles" between the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee and the former Assistant Head of School for Student Life and Culture, Chris Howes. McDowell explained that this position is intended to provide strategic oversight of current student programming, ensuring that important initiatives do not get lost in the day-to-day operations. Rather than handling disciplinary matters or logistics on the ground level, the assistant head will take a broader view to guide student life from "fifteen thousand feet above." The second administrative role that Mercersburg Academy will add is a Director of Civics. McDowell expressed his hope that this position will continue to build a deep sense of inclusion and belonging while also updating the humanities and history curriculum to reflect the evolving needs of the student body. This role is designed to integrate civics more seamlessly into all aspects of student life rather than limiting it simply to traditional classroom settings or school-wide programming. The Director of Civics will help facilitate "student conversations and conversations about students," ensuring that the school's approach to civics is both meaningful and relevant. Additionally, this addition aims to prepare students to engage critically with civic issues, both inside and outside the classroom. Having a "good thought partner and strategic partner" within the institution is be crucial to advancing this work, McDowell added. He praised Allison Stephens, History Department Head, for her work in developing the framework for this endeavor and noted that she is stepping back from that role. He stressed the importance of having someone who can absorb both roles—the History Department Head and Director of Civics—to "carry that work forward." He emphasized the need for all students to have an "equally valued voice," tapping into the broader theme of "inclusion and belonging" that the school is striving to reinforce. By creating these new positions, the school hopes to build a stronger sense of community in which students feel heard, supported, and engaged. When students "feel like a part of the community," McDowell believes, they will "be more deeply invested and learn and grow more." The new leadership roles mark a step toward refining Mercersburg Academy’s approach to student life to ensure that both programming and curriculum align with the school's mission to foster an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. While the hiring process is still active, the positions represent commitment to addressing both the academic and social needs of the student body in a more structured and forward-thinking way. Previous Next

Talia Cutler '23 < Back Celebrating Hispanic heritage Month Talia Cutler '23 September 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Originally Hispanic Heritage Week, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month in 1988 to honor the rich and diverse legacy of Latin culture. This year’s recognition brings new student programming to Mercersburg. The first event on campus was horchata, a popular drink in Hispanic countries, offered to students on the quad. “Hispanic Heritage Month is significant because it is important to honor the contribution that people of hispanic and latin heritage have given to not only our country but to the world,” says Jamar Galbreath ‘05, Assistant Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). “It is also important to keep this recognition and celebrate it because culture should be shared.” Students in the Latin/Hispanic Student Union (LHSU) will take the initiative in spreading awareness this month. Club president, Manuel Ponce ‘23, says, “The Latin/Hispanic Student Union is going to be supporting the Pulsera project by selling bracelets and giving all money made back to the corporation. We also are planning to open up a cafe night where students can come and enjoy some delicious food and drinks made by the members of LHSU! We are also planning to have a night where students can learn to dance some Bachata with their friends from your favorite dance teacher Mr. Bennett. Lastly, we are hoping to have some Hispanic alumni appear for a panel as a school meeting. We wish to shed some light on how Hispanics feel in the Mercersburg community from all different graduating classes.” Members of both the DEI committee and LSHU are optimistic about the Mercersburg community learning a lot from the Hispanic Heritage Month events. “People have the opportunity to have a spotlight on Hispanic and latinx heritage and explore different parts of those cultures. There are a lot of countries and cultures that are all encapsulated in Hispanic Heritage Month, individual cultural nuances to connect, explore, and celebrate. The sheer number of different cultures that celebrate this month is astounding. It’s great that we get to reflect on it. By way of history, the United States Census did not add Hispanic as a racial and ethnic category until the 1980s- it took a lot of advocates to push for the addition,” said Galbreath. Ponce shares the sentiment, saying, “I hope people can truly experience a bit of our culture through the events we set up for them. We are a truly diverse community and LHSU with the DEI community will do our best to represent all Hispanic countries through the month. It is especially hard since it is right off the bat of the school year but we will do the most with what we can!” Previous Next

Alex Cho '23 and Andrew Lebowitz '24 < Back McDowell installed as eighth head of school Alex Cho '23 and Andrew Lebowitz '24 On Friday September 16, 2022, interim head of school Quentin McDowell P’25 will be officially installed as Mercersburg Academy’s eighth head of school. The Board of Regents is hosting the installation ceremony in the Irvine Memorial Chapel. Prior to the ceremony, McDowell answered a series of questions to help the community understand the new head of school better. Mercersburg News: How is your day going so far? Quentin McDowell: It may sound cliché, but every day is a good day, and I am honestly grateful for each one I get. MN: What are you looking forward to in the school year ahead? QM: There is so much to be excited about at Mercersburg. I love to be witness to the individual and collective growth of our community and its members, particularly our students. The opportunity to live and learn together in such a special place is a truly transformative experience. MN: What is on your mind often? QM: There is a constant stream of thoughts, ideas, and worries on my mind, but they mostly all focus on trying to make this experience the best it can be for our students and adults. MN: What is the best part of your new job? QM: Being the head of school at Mercersburg is an exceptional honor. I just want to be a good servant to our students, our faculty and staff, our alumni, and our school. I feel really fortunate to have this opportunity to impact the lives of so many in the Mercersburg community. MN: What is the worst part of the job? QM: There is a lot to worry about when you are a head of school; it just comes with the job. Luckily the good far outweighs the bad. MN: What do you like to do in your free time? QM: My family is my biggest priority, and I spend most of my free time with them. I enjoy every moment I have with my wife, Lauren, and each of my three kids. They bring me immense happiness. Outside of my family, I love soccer, a good podcast, and live music (or any music for that matter). MN: On a scale of 1-10 how nervous are you for the installation? Why? QM: Nervous is probably not the right word, as I certainly enjoy public speaking and a proper ceremony. The difference with the installation is that the focus is on me, which is something I struggle with. This job and the work we all do here is about students and about Mercersburg, not any singular individual. I often say that no one is bigger than our school. That being said, I recognize that an installation of a new head of school is an important moment for Mercersburg to acknowledge and to celebrate, particularly since there have only been 8 heads in 130 years. I am sure it will be a lovely day and then we can all turn our attention back to making this year a great one. MN: What is your most memorable childhood experience? QM: I tell a lot of stories about my childhood and it would be hard to choose just one as the “most memorable.” That being said, I often think about my first international trip, which was to Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium when I was a teenager. It opened my eyes to just how big the world is and encouraged me to see well beyond the small town I grew up in. MN: Pretzel pie or chocolate chip cookie pie? QM: I feel guilty admitting this, as I know pretzel pie is a coveted Mercersburg treat, but I am definitely a chocolate chip cookie pie person. Ice cream and I have always had an up and down relationship. MN: What’s hiding under the beard? Will you ever shave it? QM: Honestly, it is just my face is under there. I’m not entirely sure I would even recognize myself at this point, but last I checked it was still there. Since growing it, I have not once considered shaving it so it is likely going to be around for a while. MN: How has your perspective of the HOS job evolved since you were first instated as acting head? QM: I think the biggest change is the sense of stability that came with being named the official head of school. It allows me to feel more assured about the work at hand and not as much like I am in trying to run the school while also auditioning for the job. MN: What’s an old Mercersburg tradition you would like to bring back? QM: Most of the traditions that were here when I arrived are still alive and well so I am feeling good about where we are and what we are doing. If there are things I am missing that the community is longing for, I am all ears! MN: What are your long term goals as head of school? QM: My long term goals are largely focused on continuing to build community and reinforce the culture of Mercersburg, while also focusing on continuing to evolve our programming through our strategic design choices and efforts to ensure the financial sustainability of our future. Previous Next

Andrew Lebowitz '24 < Back Mercersburg's pride fires up at festival Andrew Lebowitz '24 Last weekend, students and faculty volunteered at the Pride Franklin County Festival at Wilson College. Founded by the Franklin County Coalition for Progress, the event focuses on bringing awareness and empowerment to the LGBTQ+ members of Franklin County and celebrating Pride yearlong. Along with raising awareness and celebrating, the Mercersburg Academy also volunteered, which had its benefits. “Our volunteering mainly consisted of directing traffic and telling people where to park, but it led to us meeting many people. It was endearing to see so many people of all ages deciding to come out and participate in the event,” said volunteer Corbin Kelly ’24. Director of Community Engagement Emily Parsons said, “The best was how willing our students were to do the work. Some helped at a face painting booth, but most of us were parking attendants for several hours. I appreciate the way our students just jumped in and did what was needed. In Community Engagement, our jobs are rarely glamorous but always important. I'm so happy that our students could see that.” The volunteers also learned some things that aren’t well known within the community, especially specific to Franklin County. Kelly said he learned that “Sheetz supports gay people officially.” Elliot Cole ’24 echoed Kelly. “I learned that there was a lot of support for those in the LGBTQ community all around me that I didn't realize before.” Parsons said, “I also learned that Wilson College is doing a lot of great work on their campus regarding the LGBTIA+ community.” The Franklin County Pride movement is pushing forward with no signs of stopping, planning numerous events in the near future. Gigi Devlin ’24 said, “I would definitely go again, it was a fun and easy experience where I can help the community and make a difference.” Kelly said, “The event was very entertaining and the showing of people really made me happy.” Previous Next

Caroline Hobbs ’22 and Justin Oh ’25 < Back The State of the School Caroline Hobbs ’22 and Justin Oh ’25 With the recent Board of Regents meeting in New York City in mind, The Mercersburg News interviewed Head of School Quentin McDowell and Associate Head of School Jennifer Craig to assess the state of the school mid-year and review the school’s long-term ambitions. Topics of discussion included DEI, faculty turnover, the new boarding school admissions landscape, defining school culture, faculty committees, and connecting with the local borough community. Mercersburg News: What can you tell us about the recent Board of Regents meeting in New York? Jennifer Craig: When we're talking about big changes to the school or governance of the dollars of the school or things like that, that is what that meeting is about. We talked about financial sustainability; we have some campus planning going on for different parts of the infrastructure; there was a gender task force and a section of the meeting where we were talking about gender inclusivity. We talked a lot about PGAs; there was a significant increase in the number of PGAs at one point because of COVID. [We asked,] 'Should [PGAs] be called that? Do we have the right ones? Are we offering what we should be offering to our students? What is the intentionality behind our programming?' MN: How has school culture changed because of COVID? How is the school attempting to restore or improve its culture? QM: I think that culture is directly tied to your individual experience. During the pandemic, only 70 of our students had had a full year here, uninterrupted. That's a fraction of our students, so obviously, the culture did weaken. From the little things like picking up trash and holding doors but to larger issues as well. Our culture should be that we see and appreciate the differences and the value that each one of us brings in terms of what we have done. So how do we make sure that we foster culture? One way is listening to students, so I meet with [student council executives] Ruby [Shang ’24] and Jordan [Yuan ’24] regularly now. We are also looking at policy ideas, such as behavior, the point system, the check-in and check-out policy, and we are trying to create a way for students to have sleepovers. MN: How has the administration been attempting to address the change in school culture following COVID? How has the community evolved over the past four years since COVID? What efforts have been taken to restore that loss of culture? JC: I am going to talk about schools more [broadly] because this is only my second year, and it is hard for me to talk about pre-/during COVID. I was at a different school in a different country during that time. Yet, one thing I have learned… working at schools in four different countries [is that] students and adolescents worldwide need to be loved first and challenged second. Risk-taking is part of the developmental growth of adolescence. There was such fear that gripped the world during that time, so adolescents weren't able to take the safe risks they would have. That risk is almost the defining factor. If you think evolutionarily—my background is in biology—humans have the longest care period from being a fertilized egg to being independent, so what you do during that time is important. Adolescence is a stage of risk-taking, so a person can be a truly developed being. All the teaching that needs to happen to let an adolescent take important risks [was lacking during COVID] . So now, some of the fear that was rampant during that time is still with us. Already, adolescence is a time when you think, "Don't stand out," because you want to be a part of something, but the whole point of going to the next step is stepping out, sticking out, being distinctive, and being focused and going for something even if it takes more work or is a little risky or shows you something different, so [our job] is helping and challenging kids [push] farther than their comfort zone. I believe in the power of education to transform lives. If a school can't push and challenge kids to think beyond what they were before they got here, it's not transformative [enough]; we are going back to a moment of transforming kids. MN: How does the school intend to continue to nurture its relations with the town and people of Mercersburg? Why do you think it is important that the Academy work to strengthen its relationship with the surrounding community? QM: Here's one thing I will say: there is no Mercersburg Academy without Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. It’s really important to remember that we all own homes in the community and that we pay taxes and do all those things, you know, the practical stuff. We also have this whole area of financial support where we help with emergency services and the fire department and help with the community playground in the summer. I think as we consider the future, it's about building actual relationships, people-to-people. So I've been meeting with the superintendent, I have a meeting coming up with the Water Authority. I've met with a vibrancy committee chair. We now have somebody on the Chamber of Commerce Board, [Director of Executives Services] De-Enda Rotz. I meet regularly with the mayor of Mercersburg. We can be partnering on My Neighbor's Bounty and helping our local food pantry. Dreaming about the future, we may take on a Habitat for Humanity project with students from the high school, but do it in a way that doesn't act like we're helping. It should feel like we're coming together. MN: What do you make of the recent developments in the DEI Office? How has the Office been making strides? Where does the community have room to improve in fulfilling its DEI goals? QM: At schools, I don't think that there is ever wasted energy around equity and inclusion. And I think that what has been really wonderful over the past couple of years is drummed hot or desired intentions to make our community more equitable and more inclusive, [such as the] creation of affinity spaces. We see a lot of work done to influence programming much of which [comes from both] students and adults. Oftentimes it's not visible, but it's happening in the background to make sure that we're considering how to create a more equitable curriculum and how to generate the kinds of conditions necessary to feel a sense of inclusion and belonging, so I'm really happy with the work today. I think it is a horizon-chasing endeavor, meaning that we'll never arrive. I'm happy with where we are, but if we are still here a year from now, I won't be happy. I think we always have to be continually working on it and making progress, and that might be our neurodivergent thinkers, our international students, considering LGBTQIA+ community, right? How do we make sure all of our marginalized and more vulnerable segments of our community feel engaged and included? MN: How do you see the inaugural year of the Civic Engagement Committee panning out? What are your future ambitions for the Committee? Are there any other faculty committees you wish to discuss? JC: To me, we have this phrase, “individual humility and collective pride,” the phrase that I hope comes through civic engagement. The humility piece means we listen deeply to our community members and work on the voices in our lives. We work on those skills so that we come into this inaugural year openhearted and think about what it means to be a part of a community. There is training that the faculty and staff will be doing on deep listening. We go into groups, tell stories, and conduct floor-like interviews.… [W]hat I more concretely think we are going to be doing is students will have a certain curriculum within a certain class. The group is also interested in getting out the vote. There will likely be parts of getting out into the community as well. MN: Where is Mercersburg planning to improve its infrastructure? What does the timeline currently shaping up to look like? What measures are being taken to ensure future infrastructure endeavors are environmentally friendly and sustainable? QM: This year we finished a campus master plan, which essentially outlines what we believe needs to happen. We believe that we need a new Science and Technology Center. We also recognize that at some point we're gonna need a new dormitory, and the new dormitory will allow us again to get into our other dorms and start doing the work that needs to be done in those dorms. And then we know that from a community perspective, our dining hall and our kitchen needs to be updated. In particular, it goes back to the DEI work and that sense of inclusion and community and connection and culture. We really need to be investing in food and in the food experience for our students. Every time we go in and look at a new building or the renovation of an existing space, we also ask ourselves…: Can we take some square footage away? Can we add square footage? And how do we do that efficiently and sustainably? That is by making sure that the architects we work with are certified with LEED and other environmental certifications, which we have made sure of. Another part of the process is that we are also doing a study about the power plant for the whole school and how we get all of our electricity. How do we get heat and air and gas and all of that? We're doing a full study to understand what it is that we do now. We're also looking at solar arrays. What would that look like? What it would take to tap into our own water sources instead of using refined water from the tap? MN: How can the school address the recent widespread faculty turnover? Is this a new development, and if so how do you wish to address it? QM: I don't know that I would categorize it as widespread faculty turnover. The main reason for the large turnover in previous years was due to the pandemic. On the one hand it's really hard for me because we're losing great people that I believe in and want to have here, but on the other hand we are following a lot of national trends that education was hard hit by the pandemic. It was a really difficult stressful time for teachers and educators. And so a lot of people are looking for other opportunities outside of education and other schools. I think that's calmed down quite a bit with a very normal year of turnover last year. I'm hoping and predicting a more normal year. It has forced us to think about our recruitment and retention efforts. I think that the quality of life for educators is paramount. It means that our educators are happy, healthy and balanced. So I've done a lot of things like investing heavily in housing, making sure that we're really making the homes work. How are we really doing a lot to think about compensation? And how do we show the really generous compensation of a place like Mercersburg? …Right now we take on a lot. How can we allow people to focus less energy on fewer things? I think that would really benefit the teachers and help create a more joyful environment for our students. MN: With Mercersburg Class of ’27 having a record low admission rate, how has Mercersburg been adapting to the more competitive admissions landscape? QM: I think it's a balance, wanting to continue to have an elevated perception in the marketplace, right? We want Mercersburg to be a school that's desirable, but we are not a pressure cooker. How do we be exclusive while still being inclusive? And I think what our balance is always going to be is making sure that we're not compromising on the type of students that we take. We love to have a well-rounded student body of kids who contribute to the whole community in different ways—academically, athletically and artistically, and with extracurriculars. A low acceptance rate also allows us to make sure that we're taking students that we really want and who we think this is gonna be the best possible place to live. I think every student deserves a chance to go to a school like Mercersburg. But I would also say that we know the students that we can do the most with… we’re able to be a little bit more discerning in the application process. MN: Do you have any final remarks for the Mercersburg community for the remainder of the school year? Any advice? Any words of encouragement? I would say just remember that although the winter seems long, long winter weekend is coming up and Irving-Marshall Week is also coming, so I encourage you to work hard until then. Previous Next

Corbin Kelly '25 < Back Community Reading Classes Corbin Kelly '25 Last Friday, the Mercersburg Academy community participated in specially designed workshops focused on the summer reading book - Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir. Within each group, students and teachers engaged in activities centered around humanities, STEM, kinesthetics, and art topics, all thematically related to the book. This is the first time that Mercersburg has held classes related to a community reading project. Previously, students joined book discussions where they expressed their views of the book in a group with about ten other students and one or two faculty members. However, Alexandra Patterson, Director of Library Services, and Michelle Poacelli, English Department Chair, as well as the community reading committee, were looking for a change when they announced Project Hail Mary day. Both Patterson and Poacelli agreed that the inspiration behind the special classes was definitely the book. Patterson said, ”I am so excited to see the many interpretations of the book! I love that we are able to offer sessions ranging from VR to baking.” “There was so much in Project Hail Mary that connected to science, math, the arts, humanities, and physical challenges,” Poacelli said. “The committee of students and faculty and staff who selected the book saw the connections right away and ran with session ideas.” Patterson added, “The community reading committee discussed the book as part of our discussion process last November and immediately there was interest in creating session offerings, instead of the book discussion model. Some of the ideas generated in that initial session became classes for the day and others were generated by faculty around the themes in the book!” This atypical approach generated positive feedback from students. Gigi Devlin ‘24 said, “I actually really enjoyed my class. I was in ‘What do the book critics say?’ and many people shared the same feelings towards the book as me, so the discussion was very fun.” Khanh Nguyen ‘23 said, “My class was Model United Nations, and I felt like we had a fruitful discussion when talking about the effects of installing solar panels in the Sahara desert.” However, the students agreed that the way the sessions were organized felt a little too long for them, making the experience somewhat less enjoyable. There were mixed reactions to the book, however. Yule Kwon ‘26 said, “I think the book was pretty educational. It might have been boring and long for summer vacation though.” Devlin, on the other hand, was not really a fan of the storytelling in the book. She said, “The science felt cheap,” which made her not really interested in the activities initially. At the end of the day, the workshops were a success. “Ms. Patterson and I just mobilized the incredible talents and resources of Mercersburg's adult community, and with a little (or a lot of) planning, the day was made. We hope everyone enjoyed it.” Poacelli recalled the programming for the project: “I had the opportunity to visit most of the classes, and from my vantage point, they looked great. Students were engaged, making connections, and having fun. That's just what we were hoping for.” Previous Next

Lisa Wei ‘27 and Corbin Kelly ‘24 < Back Thank you, Leah Daniels Lisa Wei ‘27 and Corbin Kelly ‘24 The departure of Associate Athletic Trainer Leah Daniels earlier this month came as a surprise to many who frequented the Athletic Training Center. Daniels has left Mercersburg to take over the head training position at James Buchanan High School. Daniels started working at Mercersburg Academy first in the fall of 2018 and has created strong connections with students and faculty over her time as an athletic trainer. Andrew Myers, Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance said, “ I will miss having a colleague to vent to about frustrations or concerns and a resource for second opinions with injuries that I am struggling to see progress or success with.” The Athletic Training Center also relies on the help of student interns each term to keep track of athletes as they come in to be seen. Emma DiLalla ‘24, who interned with the trainers for four terms and who plans to go to school to become an athletic trainer, shared a deeper connection with Daniels than most. “There are not enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Ms. Daniels. She took me under her wing my sophomore year, and I still haven’t left. She has taught me everything I know about athletic training and inspired me to carry out that very same career path. No matter the situation, she always knew how to approach it. I’ve never met a trainer who cares that much about their kids. It was truly inspiring.” Current interns, Catherine Kidd ‘24 and Nina McDowell ‘25, are navigating a world with one less trainer. “We miss doing rounds and watching practices - swim, squash, and basketball. Ms. Daniels has great energy, is funny, and always kept the trainers laughing—and organized,” said McDowell. Even with fewer hands to tend the swarms of athletes that come in every day, Myers is confident that the training center can accommodate every athlete. “We are moving forward and taking care of business because injuries and athlete needs don't slow down! The current student assistants have stepped up to assist in many different ways as well.” Students remember Daniels smiling and joking with students in the training center, lightening the mood when people came in with injuries as she devoted herself to being there for people. “ I always loved covering games with the assistants and getting to know different students each season. Traveling with the football team and being there through the ups and downs. There’s one memory that I’ll never forget though was when we were cleaning up after a football game my sister-in-law came to watch and Emma volunteered to sit in the back and was buried under equipment not to mention we had to deal with an injury on the opposing team and I turned around and she was just sitting there — all you could see was her head sticking out! ” Thank you, Leah Daniels Lisa Wei ‘27 and Corbin Kelly ‘24 The departure of Associate Athletic Trainer Leah Daniels earlier this month came as a surprise to many who frequented the Athletic Training Center. Daniels has left Mercersburg to take over the head training position at James Buchanan High School. Daniels started working at Mercersburg Academy first in the fall of 2018 and has created strong connections with students and faculty over her time as an athletic trainer. Andrew Myers, Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance said, “ I will miss having a colleague to vent to about frustrations or concerns and a resource for second opinions with injuries that I am struggling to see progress or success with.” The Athletic Training Center also relies on the help of student interns each term to keep track of athletes as they come in to be seen. Emma DiLalla ‘24, who interned with the trainers for four terms and who plans to go to school to become an athletic trainer, shared a deeper connection with Daniels than most. “There are not enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Ms. Daniels. She took me under her wing my sophomore year, and I still haven’t left. She has taught me everything I know about athletic training and inspired me to carry out that very same career path. No matter the situation, she always knew how to approach it. I’ve never met a trainer who cares that much about their kids. It was truly inspiring.” Current interns, Catherine Kidd ‘24 and Nina McDowell ‘25, are navigating a world with one less trainer. “We miss doing rounds and watching practices - swim, squash, and basketball. Ms. Daniels has great energy, is funny, and always kept the trainers laughing—and organized,” said McDowell. Even with fewer hands to tend the swarms of athletes that come in every day, Myers is confident that the training center can accommodate every athlete. “We are moving forward and taking care of business because injuries and athlete needs don't slow down! The current student assistants have stepped up to assist in many different ways as well.” Students remember Daniels smiling and joking with students in the training center, lightening the mood when people came in with injuries as she devoted herself to being there for people. “ I always loved covering games with the assistants and getting to know different students each season. Traveling with the football team and being there through the ups and downs. There’s one memory that I’ll never forget though was when we were cleaning up after a football game my sister-in-law came to watch and Emma volunteered to sit in the back and was buried under equipment not to mention we had to deal with an injury on the opposing team and I turned around and she was just sitting there — all you could see was her head sticking out! The departure of Associate Athletic Trainer Leah Daniels earlier this month came as a surprise to many who frequented the Athletic Training Center. Daniels has left Mercersburg to take over the head training position at James Buchanan High School. Daniels started working at Mercersburg Academy first in the fall of 2018 and has created strong connections with students and faculty over her time as an athletic trainer. Andrew Myers, Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance said, “ I will miss having a colleague to vent to about frustrations or concerns and a resource for second opinions with injuries that I am struggling to see progress or success with.” The Athletic Training Center also relies on the help of student interns each term to keep track of athletes as they come in to be seen. Emma DiLalla ‘24, who interned with the trainers for four terms and who plans to go to school to become an athletic trainer, shared a deeper connection with Daniels than most. “There are not enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Ms. Daniels. She took me under her wing my sophomore year, and I still haven’t left. She has taught me everything I know about athletic training and inspired me to carry out that very same career path. No matter the situation, she always knew how to approach it. I’ve never met a trainer who cares that much about their kids. It was truly inspiring.” Current interns, Catherine Kidd ‘24 and Nina McDowell ‘25, are navigating a world with one less trainer. “We miss doing rounds and watching practices - swim, squash, and basketball. Ms. Daniels has great energy, is funny, and always kept the trainers laughing—and organized,” said McDowell. Even with fewer hands to tend the swarms of athletes that come in every day, Myers is confident that the training center can accommodate every athlete. “We are moving forward and taking care of business because injuries and athlete needs don't slow down! The current student assistants have stepped up to assist in many different ways as well.” Students remember Daniels smiling and joking with students in the training center, lightening the mood when people came in with injuries as she devoted herself to being there for people. “ I always loved covering games with the assistants and getting to know different students each season. Traveling with the football team and being there through the ups and downs. There’s one memory that I’ll never forget though was when we were cleaning up after a football game my sister-in-law came to watch and Emma volunteered to sit in the back and was buried under equipment not to mention we had to deal with an injury on the opposing team and I turned around and she was just sitting there — all you could see was her head sticking out! ” Thank you, Leah Daniels Lisa Wei ‘27 and Corbin Kelly ‘24 The departure of Associate Athletic Trainer Leah Daniels earlier this month came as a surprise to many who frequented the Athletic Training Center. Daniels has left Mercersburg to take over the head training position at James Buchanan High School. Daniels started working at Mercersburg Academy first in the fall of 2018 and has created strong connections with students and faculty over her time as an athletic trainer. Andrew Myers, Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance said, “ I will miss having a colleague to vent to about frustrations or concerns and a resource for second opinions with injuries that I am struggling to see progress or success with.” The Athletic Training Center also relies on the help of student interns each term to keep track of athletes as they come in to be seen. Emma DiLalla ‘24, who interned with the trainers for four terms and who plans to go to school to become an athletic trainer, shared a deeper connection with Daniels than most. “There are not enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Ms. Daniels. She took me under her wing my sophomore year, and I still haven’t left. She has taught me everything I know about athletic training and inspired me to carry out that very same career path. No matter the situation, she always knew how to approach it. I’ve never met a trainer who cares that much about their kids. It was truly inspiring.” Current interns, Catherine Kidd ‘24 and Nina McDowell ‘25, are navigating a world with one less trainer. “We miss doing rounds and watching practices - swim, squash, and basketball. Ms. Daniels has great energy, is funny, and always kept the trainers laughing—and organized,” said McDowell. Even with fewer hands to tend the swarms of athletes that come in every day, Myers is confident that the training center can accommodate every athlete. “We are moving forward and taking care of business because injuries and athlete needs don't slow down! The current student assistants have stepped up to assist in many different ways as well.” Students remember Daniels smiling and joking with students in the training center, lightening the mood when people came in with injuries as she devoted herself to being there for people. “ I always loved covering games with the assistants and getting to know different students each season. Traveling with the football team and being there through the ups and downs. There’s one memory that I’ll never forget though was when we were cleaning up after a football game my sister-in-law came to watch and Emma volunteered to sit in the back and was buried under equipment not to mention we had to deal with an injury on the opposing team and I turned around and she was just sitting there — all you could see was her head sticking out! ” Thank you, Leah Daniels Lisa Wei ‘27 and Corbin Kelly ‘24 The departure of Associate Athletic Trainer Leah Daniels earlier this month came as a surprise to many who frequented the Athletic Training Center. Daniels has left Mercersburg to take over the head training position at James Buchanan High School. Daniels started working at Mercersburg Academy first in the fall of 2018 and has created strong connections with students and faculty over her time as an athletic trainer. Andrew Myers, Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance said, “ I will miss having a colleague to vent to about frustrations or concerns and a resource for second opinions with injuries that I am struggling to see progress or success with.” The Athletic Training Center also relies on the help of student interns each term to keep track of athletes as they come in to be seen. Emma DiLalla ‘24, who interned with the trainers for four terms and who plans to go to school to become an athletic trainer, shared a deeper connection with Daniels than most. “There are not enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Ms. Daniels. She took me under her wing my sophomore year, and I still haven’t left. She has taught me everything I know about athletic training and inspired me to carry out that very same career path. No matter the situation, she always knew how to approach it. I’ve never met a trainer who cares that much about their kids. It was truly inspiring.” Current interns, Catherine Kidd ‘24 and Nina McDowell ‘25, are navigating a world with one less trainer. “We miss doing rounds and watching practices - swim, squash, and basketball. Ms. Daniels has great energy, is funny, and always kept the trainers laughing—and organized,” said McDowell. Even with fewer hands to tend the swarms of athletes that come in every day, Myers is confident that the training center can accommodate every athlete. “We are moving forward and taking care of business because injuries and athlete needs don't slow down! The current student assistants have stepped up to assist in many different ways as well.” Students remember Daniels smiling and joking with students in the training center, lightening the mood when people came in with injuries as she devoted herself to being there for people. “ I always loved covering games with the assistants and getting to know different students each season. Traveling with the football team and being there through the ups and downs. There’s one memory that I’ll never forget though was when we were cleaning up after a football game my sister-in-law came to watch and Emma volunteered to sit in the back and was buried under equipment not to mention we had to deal with an injury on the opposing team and I turned around and she was just sitting there — all you could see was her head sticking out! ” The departure of Associate Athletic Trainer Leah Daniels earlier this month came as a surprise to many who frequented the Athletic Training Center. Daniels has left Mercersburg to take over the head training position at James Buchanan High School. Daniels started working at Mercersburg Academy first in the fall of 2018 and has created strong connections with students and faculty over her time as an athletic trainer. Andrew Myers, Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance said, “ I will miss having a colleague to vent to about frustrations or concerns and a resource for second opinions with injuries that I am struggling to see progress or success with.” The Athletic Training Center also relies on the help of student interns each term to keep track of athletes as they come in to be seen. Emma DiLalla ‘24, who interned with the trainers for four terms and who plans to go to school to become an athletic trainer, shared a deeper connection with Daniels than most. “There are not enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Ms. Daniels. She took me under her wing my sophomore year, and I still haven’t left. She has taught me everything I know about athletic training and inspired me to carry out that very same career path. No matter the situation, she always knew how to approach it. I’ve never met a trainer who cares that much about their kids. It was truly inspiring.” Current interns, Catherine Kidd ‘24 and Nina McDowell ‘25, are navigating a world with one less trainer. “We miss doing rounds and watching practices - swim, squash, and basketball. Ms. Daniels has great energy, is funny, and always kept the trainers laughing—and organized,” said McDowell. Even with fewer hands to tend the swarms of athletes that come in every day, Myers is confident that the training center can accommodate every athlete. “We are moving forward and taking care of business because injuries and athlete needs don't slow down! The current student assistants have stepped up to assist in many different ways as well.” Students remember Daniels smiling and joking with students in the training center, lightening the mood when people came in with injuries as she devoted herself to being there for people. “ I always loved covering games with the assistants and getting to know different students each season. Traveling with the football team and being there through the ups and downs. There’s one memory that I’ll never forget though was when we were cleaning up after a football game my sister-in-law came to watch and Emma volunteered to sit in the back and was buried under equipment not to mention we had to deal with an injury on the opposing team and I turned around and she was just sitting there — all you could see was her head sticking out! ” Thank you, Leah Daniels Lisa Wei ‘27 and Corbin Kelly ‘24 The departure of Associate Athletic Trainer Leah Daniels earlier this month came as a surprise to many who frequented the Athletic Training Center. Daniels has left Mercersburg to take over the head training position at James Buchanan High School. Daniels started working at Mercersburg Academy first in the fall of 2018 and has created strong connections with students and faculty over her time as an athletic trainer. Andrew Myers, Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance said, “ I will miss having a colleague to vent to about frustrations or concerns and a resource for second opinions with injuries that I am struggling to see progress or success with.” The Athletic Training Center also relies on the help of student interns each term to keep track of athletes as they come in to be seen. Emma DiLalla ‘24, who interned with the trainers for four terms and who plans to go to school to become an athletic trainer, shared a deeper connection with Daniels than most. “There are not enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Ms. Daniels. She took me under her wing my sophomore year, and I still haven’t left. She has taught me everything I know about athletic training and inspired me to carry out that very same career path. No matter the situation, she always knew how to approach it. I’ve never met a trainer who cares that much about their kids. It was truly inspiring.” Current interns, Catherine Kidd ‘24 and Nina McDowell ‘25, are navigating a world with one less trainer. “We miss doing rounds and watching practices - swim, squash, and basketball. Ms. Daniels has great energy, is funny, and always kept the trainers laughing—and organized,” said McDowell. Even with fewer hands to tend the swarms of athletes that come in every day, Myers is confident that the training center can accommodate every athlete. “We are moving forward and taking care of business because injuries and athlete needs don't slow down! The current student assistants have stepped up to assist in many different ways as well.” Students remember Daniels smiling and joking with students in the training center, lightening the mood when people came in with injuries as she devoted herself to being there for people. “ I always loved covering games with the assistants and getting to know different students each season. Traveling with the football team and being there through the ups and downs. There’s one memory that I’ll never forget though was when we were cleaning up after a football game my sister-in-law came to watch and Emma volunteered to sit in the back and was buried under equipment not to mention we had to deal with an injury on the opposing team and I turned around and she was just sitting there — all you could see was her head sticking out! The departure of Associate Athletic Trainer Leah Daniels earlier this month came as a surprise to many who frequented the Athletic Training Center. Daniels has left Mercersburg to take over the head training position at James Buchanan High School. Daniels started working at Mercersburg Academy first in the fall of 2018 and has created strong connections with students and faculty over her time as an athletic trainer. Andrew Myers, Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance said, “ I will miss having a colleague to vent to about frustrations or concerns and a resource for second opinions with injuries that I am struggling to see progress or success with.” The Athletic Training Center also relies on the help of student interns each term to keep track of athletes as they come in to be seen. Emma DiLalla ‘24, who interned with the trainers for four terms and who plans to go to school to become an athletic trainer, shared a deeper connection with Daniels than most. “There are not enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Ms. Daniels. She took me under her wing my sophomore year, and I still haven’t left. She has taught me everything I know about athletic training and inspired me to carry out that very same career path. No matter the situation, she always knew how to approach it. I’ve never met a trainer who cares that much about their kids. It was truly inspiring.” Current interns, Catherine Kidd ‘24 and Nina McDowell ‘25, are navigating a world with one less trainer. “We miss doing rounds and watching practices - swim, squash, and basketball. Ms. Daniels has great energy, is funny, and always kept the trainers laughing—and organized,” said McDowell. Even with fewer hands to tend the swarms of athletes that come in every day, Myers is confident that the training center can accommodate every athlete. “We are moving forward and taking care of business because injuries and athlete needs don't slow down! The current student assistants have stepped up to assist in many different ways as well.” Students remember Daniels smiling and joking with students in the training center, lightening the mood when people came in with injuries as she devoted herself to being there for people. “ I always loved covering games with the assistants and getting to know different students each season. Traveling with the football team and being there through the ups and downs. There’s one memory that I’ll never forget though was when we were cleaning up after a football game my sister-in-law came to watch and Emma volunteered to sit in the back and was buried under equipment not to mention we had to deal with an injury on the opposing team and I turned around and she was just sitting there — all you could see was her head sticking out! ” Previous Next