< Back The great circle of clay Cindy Gu ’29 Sep 25, 2026 A stray lump of wet clay trimmed from a pot or dropped onto a wheel head may seem like trash, but in Pete Gunkelman’s ceramics classroom, it is only the beginning of a new cycle. Instead of tossing scrap clay into the bin, Gunkelman collects it, reworks it, and places it in another student’s hands. His goal is to reduce studio waste and make practical use of material that would otherwise end up being discarded. The recycling process depends on how dry the clay scraps have become. When students are sculpting or throwing pots, unused pieces naturally accumulate around the workspace. If the pieces are still soft and workable, Gunkelman places them directly onto a plaster wedging table. Because plaster naturally draws out moisture, it absorbs the excess water in the clay, allowing him to hand-wedge the material back into a usable consistency before storing it in plastic bags for immediate reuse. When scraps dry out past the point of simple re-wedging, the process requires a few more steps. Students collect dry pieces in small buckets, which Gunkelman dumps into a larger barrel where the clay “slakes down” in water into a liquidy slurry. He then pours the mixture into an open plaster trough to draw out the moisture. Once the clay is dry enough to crack at the edges, he feeds it into a pug mill— a machine that mixes clay with different levels of moisture into uniform cylinders ready to be stored and reused. “Almost every ceramics studio recycles clay, so it’s a very common practice,” Gunkleman said. “I think we’re doing a really good thing by only firing work that we want to keep, and we try to recycle things that we don’t want to keep. And then we can keep using it. It’s a pretty big responsibility.” To him, the pieces created in the ceramics classroom carry a lasting legacy that will outlive everyone in the room. Because of this, he encourages students to keep and fire only their best work while recycling the rest. Rather than having each student handle their own scraps separately, the class works together to keep the cycle going. As Gunkelman explained, “I think if each person were an individual artist, we would each be recycling our own clay scraps, and we do it communally. And so we collect it all in one bucket, and then we put it in one big trough.” Depending on students' output, those shared buckets can fill up twice a term. While recycling clay can extend its lifespan, the process also comes with challenges. Gunkelman said, “Depending on the chemical makeup of the clay, water-soluble minerals can leach out and lead to scumming.” He added, “For example, if you recycle clay made with nephelene syenite, the soluble sodium dissolves in water. As the water evaporates, it leaves sodium on the surface, which can cause glazes to melt at a lower temperature, which will cause all sorts of issues.” Ultimately, Gunkelman’s approach serves a larger purpose within the studio: minimizing environmental impact while teaching students the cyclical nature of clay. As he puts it, “Until you commit to firing it, it’s infinitely recyclable. So you can just use it over and over again for different projects.” Previous Next

Ellie Shimaoka ‘26 < Back “Human Spotify”: John Rush Ellie Shimaoka ‘26 Nov 8, 2024 The Human Spotify event — a karaoke extravaganza filled with laughter, soulful singing, and live music — was held at the Fish Bowl on Saturday night, featuring special guest John Rush. Rush is not only a singer/songwriter, he is also a multi-instrumentalist who can play the guitar, piano, saxophone, bass, and many other instruments. He bills himself as a “Human Spotify” because he has memorized 85 hours of music from a range of genres, including contemporary pop and country. Regarding his ability to memorize so many songs, he said, “It comes with practice. Once you learn about 100 songs, you kind of learn the whole spectrum of music. Of course, some songs are harder than others, but you will know what you are dealing with in terms of the melody by then.” Rush has been making music for almost his entire life. He said, “I started playing the guitar at 10. Then, I went to school for arts and performance at the University of Georgia. After that, I moved to Nashville and started playing bars about 6 times a week for 10 years all over downtown. Now, I give interactive performances in different colleges and prep schools.” He is passionate about his craft because he loves to connect with people through music. Despite the obstacles, such as having to drive 15 hours just to reach a venue, he thrives on the stage. “I like being able to do live and being spontaneous,” he said. The energy of the audiencs continues to inspire him. On Saturday night, students gathered in SSC to sing while Rush played the guitar. Everybody seemed to be engaged and excited. Students sang with their friends, while the crowd cheered and occasionally sang along. Rush regularly engaged the crowd, asking participants questions so that he could get to know them and build a sense of connection. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the evening was when the song “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry was requested. The song, familiar to everyone, turned the entire room into an impromptu dance party. William Tutt 25’ who sang on the stage during the event, reflected, “I just loved how enthusiastic John Rush was. I liked that people were being natural and were simply enjoying the moment, too.” Bella Levina ‘25 added, “It’s good to have live music back on campus. Especially because we used to have live bands that came to campus.” Also, Sarah Howley ‘26 recalled, “We had this event last year as well. He sings with you, so it is easier to participate.” Overall, participants seemed to love the inclusive atmosphere where everybody was welcome to sing. The event lasted 30 minutes longer than the scheduled time frame. All who volunteered had the chance to hold the spotlight, and participants left the stage with a shared sense of satisfaction and joy. It was more than just a karaoke event; that night, we came together as a community. Previous Next

Shelly Shen '26 < Back Metaphors and music at Fall Spoken Word Shelly Shen '26 Oct 18, 2024 As Mercersburg welcomed changing leaves and the chill in the wind, students gathered on the Irvine Hall porch to watch or perform in another Spoken Word. This fall's Spoken Word drew a large crowd excited to see how the show would turn out. Spoken Word began with Thomas Zhu’s ‘26 cello concerto solo, a classical yet epic piece of music that set the tone for a formal yet no less calming and intimate environment. According to Michele Poacelli, a huge modification to the entire event is the addition of musical talents, such as singing and instrumentals. “Spoken Words don't need to be literal,” said Poacelli after the show. “I think it’s just the idea of a sharing of expression, whether it’s spoken expression, musical expression, but just the sharing of expressions important to students.” There was a mixture of musical and literary elements. William Luo ‘27 sang with the accompaniment of an African drum, Pema Namdol ‘27 sang with Jerry Jin ‘26, Ethan Stiffler sang and played the guitar, and Reagan Houpt ‘25 gave a dramatic story on his real-life experience with skunk’s stink being mistaken for a chemical burning. A few freshmen also performed exceptionally as rising stars for the Mercersburg Academy. Poetry, sing-alongs, and comedy performances all received applause and encouragement. The song performances that stood out came from Kaodi Nzeribe ‘28, Luo, and Kesienna Mononia ‘28 gaining high audience engagement and attracting much support from their friends even though the performers experienced awkwardness and nervousness initially. “I loved William’s piece. He was playing a drum but the whole audience was singing along, and it felt really cohesive,” said Anne Sehon ‘25, one of the two hosts of this season’s show. This year also offered special memories for the returning students, who either decided to change up their usual expressive styles or take a new step forward to honor the past. Cohost Sehon decided to read a poem instead of performing a song, and the other host, Houpt, offered a reading piece for entertainment. Poacelli expressed great appreciation to those who volunteered and spent time setting up for the event. “That whole atmosphere, the way it felt cozy, was all thanks to Ms. Dumont. She bought those red tablecloths, she thought about the set up with the tables, with how pretty they were with the candles with the little red leaves.” This event helped to conclude the first half of the fall term and effectively demonstrated the cozy communal spirit that links everyone together through talent-sharing and unique engagement with one another. Previous Next

Brooke Shiber ’28 < Back A Bittersweet Finale Brooke Shiber ’28 Apr 24, 2026 On Friday night, April 17, Jazz Band, Magalia, Octet, and Strings performed their last concert of the school year: the Spring Pops Concert. For some, it was their last Mercersburg Academy performance, which evoked emotion from students and faculty alike. The same day the school received news of two tragedies–the passing of a recent young alum and a staff member. As a result, an underlying tone of grief lingered throughout the concert. Strings conductor Michael Cameron addressed this honorably and beautifully. The first piece that Strings played, “Theme of Schindler’s List,” featuring Lisa Wei ’26 on the violin, was dedicated to the memory of those who had passed. Cameron said that this was the least he could do. James Brinson, conductor of Magalia and Octet, said that this was one of the most moving moments of the concert. “Lisa played so well,” he added. Next, Strings played “Bella Cubana,” an Afro-Caribbean tune. “Keystone,” which Cameron described as “fast and angular,” concluded the repertoire. Grace Jin ’29 echoed this sentiment, stating, “It was, at times, hard to stay on tempo, but we got used to it and I enjoyed it a lot.” After Strings, the Jazz Band took the stage. Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” was a big hit, featuring solos from Matthew Kobrick ’28, Zara Kimotho ’28. Maddie Mamoudis ’27 stated that this was one of her favorite songs from the setlist because it is “popular and nostalgic.” She added that she also enjoyed playing and learning “Lester Leaps In” by legendary saxophonist Lester Young. Throughout the Jazz performance, Emily Guzic ’28, Wil Kipe ’27, Harry Cameron ’26, Phuong Vo ’27, and other members of the performance groups were also featured as soloists. Mamoudis shared, “Harry is insane at the drums; our band will miss him dearly, as well as all of the other seniors like Alli Caretti.” Cameron himself mentioned, “I thought I’d be used to playing by now, but I still get a little bit nervous… all the pieces are difficult and challenging, but Mr. Beni makes them enjoyable.” According to Jazz Band conductor Shami Beni, “[The] music was challenging and we had to dig deep. But once we got it, it was so fun to play.” A cappella groups Magalia and Octet concluded the evening’s program with lighter pieces, standards like “Moon River” and “Mr. Blue Sky.” While Rebecca Robinson ’28 enjoyed performing “Mr. Blue Sky” the most, William Luo ’27 preferred “Moon River” as “it had a very gradual flow to it.” Luo also shared insight into the rehearsing process: “Practicing was definitely challenging because we had only four guys, but everyone is dedicated, which made the process easier.” Three altos from Magalia volunteered to join the Octet because of a shortage of members. On this matter, James Brinson said, “I’m always thankful and proud of how our singers step up to the plate when it comes time to perform… Both groups do a great job at blending with other voices to be a part of something bigger than themselves.” The Spring Pops Concert was one full of emotion, defined by lingering grief, but also gratitude for the school’s community of loving students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Cameron said, “We can never forget how large a role the audience plays in a successful performance.” All three conductors expressed pride in their students. Cameron noted it was “a real honor to work with them.” Beni said he was “very proud of the kids overall.” And Brinson remarked he was “so grateful for their dedication.” Previous Next

Audrey Hua '26 < Back Dance Dance Recreation Audrey Hua '26 Oct 20, 2023 Making its debut at Mercersburg Academy annual Club Fair, The Recreational Dance Club, known colloquially as Dance Club, is a brand-new group created to introduce all students—both proficient and inexperienced—to the world of dance. Maggie Coors ‘25, one of Dance Club’s founders, said, “We want to gain new members and get people excited about learning to dance in a judgment-free space.” Another founder, Sophia Mielke ‘25, agreed: “We just want it to be a beginner space.” Elizabeth Orders ‘25, the third founder said, “A lot of people have bad experiences with it [dance] as a child and so we really want to make it more fun for them…Maybe people will even find a love for dance and end up joining the PGA, or start pursuing the academic classes.” “I joined [Dance Club] because I really want to get into dancing, even when I don’t have the time,” said Margaux d’Arabian ‘25. “I used to dance but I stopped when I came here, so I want to follow up with old passions,” Crystal Chiu ‘25 added. Avallina Orfield ‘25 said, “I want to learn how to get groovy on the dance floor.” Going on, Orfield admitted, “I tried out [dance PGA] one winter term in my freshman year, and got rejected.” But that didn’t deter her from joining Dance Club. Jaidee Promphan ‘25 and Marlo Williams ‘25 both said that they want to have fun dancing and learn the basics. In addition to joining, herself, Orfield persuaded Bella Levina ‘25, to sign up. "I think every person should learn how to move the body. Dance really helps you understand your body better and connect with it,” said Levina. With winter approaching, Dance Club encourages students and faculty alike to drop in on one of the club meetings to work up an effortless, yet fun sweat, while spinning across the floor with friends. After all, anyone can dance. Previous Next

Tristan Paulette '27 < Back Seussical to the stage! Tristan Paulette '27 Jan 17, 2025 AS Musical Theatre is a new class this school year created and taught by theatre director Kelly Dowling. Dowling enumerated the goals of the class. “The goal is to produce a whole show, but they get to choose that show… they’re doing Seussical and they’ll spend basically the rest of the class putting that together with some other assignments kind of sprinkled in.” Dowling also spoke to some of the logistical purposes of the class: “It really came out of our hope as an Arts Department that we could create opportunities for people in different times and spaces to take part in acting and productions. Obviously our PGA time is really difficult and people have to make hard choices. So we were hoping that by having this class, that if there’s someone who wants to do a musical but never has the time in the PGA, they would be able to do that.” The class this year has started small, with a eight-person crew taking part in the Seussical performance. Fynn Poulsen ’26, one of the students in the class, said, “We’re working on blocking the show and figuring out who’s which character in what scene and how we’re gonna do the show with eight people.” Even with that struggle, Poulsen noted the benefits of a smaller group: “I like that it’s a small class, so we’re a very tight-knit [group].” William Tutt ’25, who will play Cat in the Hat during Seussical, echoed this sentiment: “It’s a great sense of community for theater because in the PGA, you meet new people and then kind of switch out. But in this, it’s like you really get to know the people.” AS Musical Theatre has also given students the opportunity to learn the finer details of stage work. Janie Miller ’26, who will play Maizy in Seussical, stated, “We’re getting an opportunity to learn a whole bunch of the technical things that we don’t typically think about… We’re creating resumés and headshots and we’re finding classical monologues and contemporary monologues. We’re finding music for things we’re working on and We’ve also done a little bit of research on some historical aspects of musical theater through the different eras.” Tutt affirmed the importance of stage work knowledge, saying, “There’s a lot of work that goes into a play and we don’t have time for after school, like Stony Batter, so we have to really use our class time to specifically focus on our work. We have been looking at Shakespeare, an ASL thing, [and] we are doing some weird acting exercises, which is pretty fun.” Dowling also expanded on her plans for the future of advanced courses in the Arts Department. “If it goes through, there’ll be a new class called AS Classical Performance, which will be a term class. That would run in opposite years so there is that [physical] space.” Dowling elaborated further on the struggles of advanced acting courses at Mercersburg Academy. “One of our issues with higher level classes in theater is so many of our theatre students are also our singers and dancers, and it’s really hard to get the numbers to run those upper level classes.” Miller stated what she’s looking forward to in the play: “I’ve never really done a traveling production before so I think that’s gonna be really interesting… You have to be so smart with how you pack the vans and do all of that and just go out.” Tutt expressed similar hopes for the performance, saying, “I hope it will go well. I hope that we can inspire one kid to try and go for theatre.” Previous Next

Audrey Hua ‘26 < Back “The glorious beauty of Melissa Small” Audrey Hua ‘26 Jan 19, 2024 Still-life oil painter Melissa Small’s art is currently displayed in Mercersburg Academy’s Burgin Center for the Arts. An Awakening is showing in the Cofrin Gallery while the other collection, Layers of Vanity, occupies the corner gallery. Small's passion for art began in high school where a painting class opened a door to her future career. “I remember telling my painting teacher, Mrs. DeMartin, that I wanted to be an art teacher like her,” Small said. “She told me, 'No, go all the way,' implying that I should just be an artist. I feel lucky to be able to do both.” Aside from painting, Small teaches high school students full-time. “Creating art allows me to share things visually that cannot be translated into words,” Small said. Inspired by the gratification that painting brings her, and the joy she brings to collectors, Small shares this with her three daughters, teaching them what it means to be passionate about something. “They see me painting and understand that this is work for me, but work that I truly love,” said Small. The opportunity to exhibit at Mercersburg Academy came through a social media post that caught the attention of Small’s former schoolmate and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Mercersburg, Renata Williams. Although daunted at first by the transportation and taking care of her youngest child, Small ultimately felt the experience of displaying at Mercersburg merited the journey from Beacon, NY. Sydney Caretti, Director of Galleries, shared her choices in choosing Small beyond the connection with a current faculty member. “I am especially taken by the manner in which she includes the viewer in her work,” Caretti said. “While these realized botanical renderings could be only about the flora, Small includes a sense of space with a dedicated light source creating a shadow and also a hand, her or another's, holding the stem.” Small enjoys painting, and even more, the process of setting up her still life. “Choosing objects and arranging them physically is an art in itself,” she said. Occasionally, Small includes writing in her artwork, allowing her to “reconnect with writing while adding another dimension to my art. It's fun to create a story through painting things.” “In hosting an artist who reflects part of our student population,” Caretti said, “I truly hope our students experience an art narrative that is inclusive and comforting, by seeing someone who looks like them.” She also hopes students will be inspired to aim for excellence in the arts courses offered at Mercersburg. “It’s all about making connections and sparking inspiration while witnessing the glorious beauty of Melissa Small’s An Awakening, ” Caretti said. “Through my work, I hope to inspire viewers to be more thoughtful,” Small concluded. “In a world where we are overstimulated and bombarded with quick videos and tons of pictures, I hope my work encourages people to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them every day.” Previous Next

Gigi Devlin '24 < Back HOS Purchase Need Title Gigi Devlin '24 Sep 30, 2022 When Quentin McDowell assumed his role as Interim Head of School last year, one of his duties included purchasing a piece from the senior art show for the Head of School Collection. He chose two: “TEENAGE 10+8” by Shin Miyamichi ‘22 and a piece by Joyce Cui ‘22. It is tradition that the Head of School will purchase only one, but in his own words, he “couldn’t help himself.” When deciding which pieces to select, McDowell said he wanted to choose not only pieces that were aesthetically appealing but also pieces whose artists had made significant contributions to the arts department at Mercersburg. “Art is different for anyone who looks at it, so the artist is an important consideration,” said McDowell who interviewed Cui and had been following her art and her career during her years at Mercersburg. Miyamichi’s piece earned a gold medal and American vision’s medal in the Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards. In particular, Miyamichi’s piece spoke to McDowell because he believes it reflects where we are as a society, and the style reminded him of his brother’s art. For Cui’s piece, he was really drawn by the composition of the piece and how it was made. McDowell noted the purpose of having a Head of School purchase prize. “We ask our students to put a lot of themselves in what they create. It only seems fitting that we would want to retain some of that for the school for future generations to see and be inspired. It’s wonderful to have art by famous artists, but as a school, our art collections should really be student-focused.” When McDowell worked in admission, his office showcased an art piece by a student who attended the school before McDowell even arrived. He said can’t even count how many families have asked about the piece. This is one of his favorite aspects of holding the collection – being able to walk around the buildings on campus and see the various pieces. In his tenure, he hopes that he can curate a collection that is a reflection of how he views himself and the school, making sure the two stay aligned. “I hope that we could look at Shin’s painting and be able to see that it is so reflective of where we are in this moment in time with COVID and mental health and be able to look at the life of a teenager as something poetic.” “Art reflects where we are as a community, [and] that needs to be preserved,” said McDowell. When people look back over time, they will see art that not only represents the artist but the school, the times, and the thin blue line. Previous Next

Susanna Huang '27 < Back Let's make beautiful music together Susanna Huang '27 Dec 13, 2024 The Mercersburg Strings Quartet (MASQ) captivated the Mercersburg Academy community during its debut performance at an all-school meeting. Composed of Thomas Zhu ’26 (cellist), Daniel Liu ’25 (violist), Lisa Wei ’26 (violinist), and Karin Sugiyama ’26 (violinist), this student-led ensemble aims to make music an integral part of daily life on campus. MASQ strives to go beyond formal concerts by providing casual and spontaneous musical experiences across the year. “The joy of music should exist all the time,” Zhu explained, emphasizing the power of music to connect and inspire. Liu added, “We are just four musicians who really enjoy playing music.” Wei highlighted the group’s broader aspirations: “We want to inspire those who would like to pick up a new instrument.” Zhu, who initiated the idea of a string quartet, drew inspiration from the Magtet, a co-ed acapella group, known for performing concerts with a joyful approach. “MASQ is formed to open a more lighthearted side of the instrumental music atmosphere,” Zhu said. His vision unified the group, setting the goal of expanding Mercersburg’s musical culture. Faculty adviser and Director of Bands Shami Beni credited the students’ initiative and dedication: “This was very student-driven. Thomas Zhu and his peers are the ones that planned everything.” Beni praised the student musicians: “These students are very dedicated to music, and I’m just here to make sure they sound decent.” He also expressed his hope that MASQ will become a lasting tradition. “I don’t want this to die after this year—I want it to be part of Mercersburg culture,” Beni said. The quartet attributes their success to hard work and commitment. They rehearse for two hours every Sunday to strengthen their individual skills and teamwork. “This really helped my performance in the greater strings ensemble when I got peer feedback from the smaller quartet group,” Sugiyama said. The group has deepened their personal connections. “I really enjoyed getting to know my peers a lot more, to share and play music with them more closely than in the larger strings ensemble,” Liu said. Finally, the quartet wants to hear constructive feedback from their audiences. “Don’t be afraid to let us know how we’re doing,” Liu urged. Through their skillful performances, clear vision, and dedication, MASQ has already impacted the Mercersburg community. Previous Next

Liza Hoa '27 < Back Syd Watts: finding your breakout moment Liza Hoa '27 Nov 15, 2024 In the vast sphere of high school theater, it's usually the performers that tend to shine in the limelight. However, behind every show is a dedicated crew working relentlessly to bring each scene to life. Amongst these individuals, an important figure is definitely Syd Watts '25. Watts did not start their high school career intending to join the Mercersburg Tech Crew. Watts, said, "Despite having done a little bit of tech crew in middle school, I didn't think I was going to pursue it in high school. In fact, I actually started out my Mercersburg experience doing field hockey my very first term, but then in the winter I decided to do it and I haven't looked back since." Since then, they have become an indispensable member of Mercersburg Academy's Tech Crew, refining their talents, and, most importantly, growing from a shy and quiet freshman to a confident and experienced senior. Watts believes being promoted to stage manager was their breakout moment: "It was a really big role that i had to fill. The previous stage manager was Ellie Miller '23, who stage-managed for three out of four years here, so I kind of took over for her when she left. But, it was a huge honor to be able to fulfill that role and be trusted to do a good job with it." As stage manager, Watts works very closely with the actors of Stony Batter directing taking blocking and line notes, and sending reminders for lights and sound cues. Nearing important rehearsal days that can last up to a rigorous twelve hours (such as the long weekend before Puffs ), the challenge of the job is to bring everyone together - a labor of love that pays off in the end. Besides their impressive technical skills, Watts' general leadership and work ethic have defined the culture of the Stony Batter Tech Crew. "I love Syd. Honestly, Syd has been just a blessing to the department and to Stony Batter. I hope that they would impart upon other kids who want to be stage managers-everything that they know-so we can have more like Syd. They're one of my favorite people, and I will miss them crazily when they go, especially because they're such a big part of my Mercersburg experience," said Jessica Doubell, Center Director of Operations. Watts credits most of their personal growth to Doubell, who has acted as a supportive mentor or them throughout the years. "Mrs. Doubell's been a huge light in my life. She's one of the happiest people on campus and makes me smile whenever I see her. And also, she's taught me basically everything I know," stated Watts. The aptitude that Watts' has for Tech Crew goes beyond a high school hobby; it shapes their career path. They said, "I'm for sure pursuing stage management in college. My portfolio is currently underway. And, I actually just came from touring a college, so hopefully, I get into a place with an amazing theater program and alumni network like Penn State." Previous Next

Dean Tae '24 < Back Spirit of Football Dean Tae '24 Sep 16, 2022 On September 9, Mercersburg Academy welcomed the Spirit of Football, a nonprofit group that uses the universal language of soccer to promote and teach their values through a special piece of sports equipment that they affectionately call “The Ball.” Dedicated to the initiatives of climate action, gender equality, and fairplay, The Ball has traveled around the globe, stopping in more than 25 countries thus far . As they travel, they invite supporters to share the commitment to their initiatives by heading and signing The Ball. Even before Mercersburg community members lined up to take their turn at a head pass, The Ball had well over one thousand signatures. The Spirit of Football began their work in 2002, attending the Men’s FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, bringing The Ball with them. These upcoming trips to the 2022 Men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Women’s FIFA Worldcup in Australia and New Zealand will mark The Ball’s sixth journey around the world. Concurrent with the visit of The Ball, Mercersburg hosted the annual Nancy Horton Heefner Show. T he Historical Society initiated the show in commemoration of Nancy Horton Heefner, its former vice president and a member of the Mercersburg Women’s Club. The was the first show since 1919 to be held in person. The focus of this year’s show, One Ball, One World, drew inspiration from the initiatives of the Spirit of Football. Artwork submissions were open to all artists, both those from campus and the larger community. Leah Willis ‘24 was one of many to submit her artwork. “It was a very unique and quite intriguing show to participate in,” Willis said. Sydney Caretti, arts teacher and Director of Galleries, worked tirelessly for several months to bring One Ball, One World to Mercersburg Academy after Dr. Karli Richards ‘97, a Chambersburg orthopedist and a graduate of Mercersburg Academy, referenced The Ball during one of their appointments. Richards currently serves as the ambassador for The Ball in the United States. “The altruistic nature of the mission of Spirit of Football and their initiatives is connected with the Green Team and Community Engagement,” said Caretti. Aiming to call attention to meat consumption, the Green Team worked with the dining hall staff to serve vegan shepherd’s pie for lunch last Friday. Community Engagement met with Spirit of Football at a Dreams for Kids DC event over the weekend and played soccer with disabled youth. The messages of both One Ball, One World and the Nancy Horton Heefner show fit seamlessly together to offer a unique show centered around gender equality, climate justice, and fairplay, inviting members of the community to come together to consider Mercersburg Academy’s values, Hard Work, Fair Play, Clean Life. Previous Next

Gigi Devlin ‘24 < Back What do you put on your bagel? Gigi Devlin ‘24 Jan 27, 2023 Everything Everywhere All at Once is the best movie of 2022. The film, follows a middle-aged Chinese American as she is transported into the multiverse while having to deal with taxes and familial problems in her own universe. It easily crept its way into my top 10 movies of all time. Missing the film’s original theatrical run while at school, I lost track of it on my movie radar. When I returned home for summer break three months after its release, however, it was impossible for me to miss this movie. One of my closest friends had already seen it in theaters 5 times over the past months and raved about it constantly. When I found out it was playing at a local movie theater for one night only, I immediately bought my tickets and cleared my Saturday night plans. I’m so glad I did because Everything Everywhere All at Once was made to be watched on the big screen, packed with special effects and stunning visuals. The film is the most unique film I’ve ever seen. No other movie has made me cry over a scene of just two rocks or made taxes seem romantic. The powerful performances are everything. Michelle Yeoh delivers a strong and heartfelt performance, Stephanie Hsu made me laugh and then made me cry, Ke Huy Quan gets the return to acting he deserves, and seeing Jamie Lee Curtis as an evil IRS agent is hilarious. Story-wise, the film, like any multiversal movie, is everywhere, jumping from one plot line to the next: from a universe where humans all have hot dogs for fingers to a universe that has a plot similar to Ratatouille except with a raccoon. The film has basically every universe you can think of. It made me feel every emotion all at once, truly fulfilling its title. I couldn’t stop laughing at the interactions between hot dog-fingered Yeoh and Curtis, and then 20 minutes later I was crying at Hsu’s deeply emotional confession to her character’s mother. “I'm tired. I don't want to hurt anymore and for some reason when I'm with you, it just hurts the both of us.” Her character exclaims to her mother with whom she has been fighting throughout the film. Ultimately, it is a story about family relations: their highs and lows. The movie tugged at my heartstrings and even when rewatching it during ASU movie night, I still cried 3 times. Everything Everywhere All at Once is not afraid to be honest, something more movies today need to accomplish. The film proves that not all blockbuster movies full of fight scenes and visual effects are emotionless commercial nightmares. Unsurprisingly, it is the big winner in the race for Oscar nominations. Previous Next