Tahir Hasanov '25 < Back Salam alaikum! Tahir Hasanov '25 Apr 5, 2024 On March 29, a group of Mercersburg’s Muslim students traveled to the Islamic Society of Western Maryland. In the Islamic Faith, Friday is the day of the week when Muslims around the globe typically gather at their local mosque to worship together. Although it is hard for Muslim students to go to the mosque every Friday, they still find time to go occasionally. Organized by Reverend Whitmore, the students attended the afternoon sermon at the local mosque located near Hagerstown, Maryland. Taimur Rehman ‘25 said, “Typically on these trips, we all get in a van driven by Reverend Whitmore and head to the mosque. We get there early to attend the sermon, and then we participate in the prayers.” Bori Miryusopov ‘24 added, “Sometimes on the way back, we stop at a shawarma restaurant called Hummus for a quick and delicious snack. Then, we make our way right back to Mercersburg and go back to class.” For many Muslim students at boarding schools like Mercersburg, it is hard to practice their religion regularly. Fawad Jan ‘24, a student from Pakistan, noted, “I am from a very religious family, and since coming to Mercersburg, I haven’t been able to go to Jummah Prayers (Friday Prayers) very much. These trips have helped a lot by getting me closer to Islam and making me feel better as a person.” Rehman said, “In a boarding school environment, it's hard sometimes to connect back to your religious faith but I think these opportunities allow Muslim students to connect back to their culture and religion.” Overall, the trip has garnered very positive feedback from the students. “It is important for us to go to the mosque for Friday prayers. Just like how Christians go to church on Sundays, Muslims go to prayers on Fridays. I thought the school bringing us to the mosque was very considerate. Not every school does something like this. I hope it continues in the future so we can continue to connect to our religion,” stated Huszaifa Ibrahim ‘24. These trips to the mosque will, in fact, continue to be a regular occurrence, scheduled once or twice every month. Additionally, this month marks a very important time in the Muslim faith: Ramadan. During this period, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset every day. Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, characterized by a time of prayer, reflection, and community. For that reason, this particular mosque visit was an important time for students to connect directly with others of their faith. Previous Previous Next Next

Paris Zhang '27 < Back Globetrotting Paris Zhang '27 Sep 27, 2024 This summer, Mercersburg Academy students and faculty traveled to various places around the globe: the Bahamas, France, Italy, and Taiwan. Through the generosity of Howard Flock ‘40, Mercersburg makes traveling affordable for students. Due to the flock fund, over 60 students — a majority of the Class of 2025 — participated in one of the global initiatives. Nikki Walker, Science Department Chair, led the trip to the Bahamas. She said, “I like a week-long trip. The group of students were awesome with flexibility and eagerness.” Her highlight of the trip was catching and tagging sharks and lobsters. “It was nice for students to see that being a marine biologist could be a career,” said Walker. Louisa Gunkelman ‘25, who also traveled to the Bahamas, said, “It was a great opportunity to disconnect from technology.” Gunkelman shared a memorable conversation with one of the researchers. “It was life-changing seeing the way that people in science work, and I asked one of the researchers: ‘Do you think fieldwork or writing essays is more important?’ And she was like, ‘I think the essays are more important for sure because that’s the way you educated everybody.’” History teacher Will Slater accompanied the students to France. He said, “Being a history teacher, I loved studying history and culture. Most of the trip was in Marseille. It was a city largely shaped by immigrant culture. Studying that was fascinating.” Sisi Guo ‘25, who sojourned in France, shared her thoughts. “It was incredible because we got to experience so much of the French culture,” said Guo, “I think it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I suggest everyone, even if you are not in French, to sign up for the trip because you get to learn so much about the culture and immigration, which is a huge topic in the US as well.” Dan Walker, another member of the history department, traveled with students to Italy. “I am enormously grateful for the experience to see the art and architecture and the culture and the people and food. It was just incredible,” he said. One of his highlights was climbing the duomo in Florence (Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore). Walker said, “Seeing the city from essentially the top of the city, was just an unreal experience to me. I can’t even name all the museums. The amount of history and the talent of the art and sculptures that we saw were just incredible.” As a teacher who specializes in ancient world history, Walker also appreciated visiting historical sites. “It was cool learning about the different stages of history in a place like Rome. We were able to go to Pompei, and another archaeological site called Gabii,” he said. Stella Johnson ‘25 also recounted going to Pompeii. “We did a really fun scavenger hunt there,” she said. She recommends the trip to students, especially if they are interested in art history, archaeology, or other related fields. Chinese teacher Grace Abel led the two-week Taiwan trip, supported by MOE Director Chris Duffy and History Department Head Allison Stephens. Stephens highlighted some of her favorite experiences: “All the activities that we did, picking scallions, making dumplings, and trying a lot of the food were really the high points.” Stephens also noted cultural differences. “In the United States, you can really tell the difference between where the rich people live and where the poor people live. And I felt like, in Taiwan, the buildings all kind of looked similar,” she said. Olivia Glick ’25 loved visiting Jiufen, a mountain village in Taipei. Glick said, “It was gorgeous. It was just completely unlike any sort of American town or city. And it was raining that day and it was foggy in this mountain town, so it added this super cool kind of ambiance to everything.” Previous Previous Next Next

Revant Jear ’28 < Back Diving makes a splash Revant Jear ’28 Jan 23, 2026 On Saturday, January 17, the Blue Storm diving team competed as part of a boys swimming and diving dual meet against La Salle College High School and a girls swimming and diving intrasquad meet. It was one of the few home meets of the season at the Lloyd Aquatic Center. The six-dive event stood out as the highlight of the meet. James Boardman ’26 finished with 337.25 points in the boys event, while Michaela (MK) Kasmire ’26 posted 269.95 points in the girls event, both new Furnary Pool records. The pair now hold the school and pool records in the six-dive and 11-dive events. “Naturally, we are thrilled that MK and James broke the pool records for the six-dive event, but I was really excited about Trevi [Ricks ’28] throwing some higher DD dives in front of judges in preparation for upcoming championships, ” Assistant Coach Frank Betkowski said. Betkowski pointed to difficulty and execution as the real separator. “High DD dives have the biggest impact, of course, but they need to be executed well, and our divers did that,” he said, referring to higher-degree-of-difficulty dives that can swing point totals when performed cleanly. About the meet, Boardman ’26 said, “This last meet was really shaky, coming off a winter break. I didn’t really practice that much. But we came into it focused, and we got the job done. Every round can be a turning point in diving. At any point in time, the whole meet can change around. But in this meet, it was pretty steady, and I felt confident.” He added, “Competing at Mercersburg and having all my teammates and friends in the stands and on the pool deck kind of helps me and motivates me throughout the meet.” Trevi Ricks ’28 holds a different point of view. She said, “Competing at home made the meet a lot more stressful and caused me not to dive as well as I usually do in meets. After the fourth round, I kind of felt like the meet was over because I had done the dive that I was really nervous about, and I think that caused me not to do as well as I could have on dives I know how to do.” Ricks also pointed to other factors. “The [technical] malfunctions at the beginning of the meet were really distracting for me this time,” she said. “Next competition, I need to focus on just my dives and not get distracted by any tech malfunctions or other people.” Looking toward the rest of the season, Betkowski added, “The less experienced divers have some work to do to prepare for championship-format meets, and they are working hard toward that goal. Of course, we want the more experienced divers peaking at the right time.” Previous Next

Ethan Shi ’28 < Back Storm golf swings to victory Ethan Shi ’28 Sep 26, 2025 The Mercersburg golf team was in strong form this past weekend, traveling to Chambersburg Country Club for a matchup against Martinsburg and securing a solid win. The victory highlighted both the team’s growing confidence and the strong sense of unity among players. Stewart Allen ‘27 said, “We have a really good team dynamic, and we all get along very well. We enjoy playing together, and that makes practices and matches a lot more fun. It’s just a great group to be a part of.” Nicholas Zho ‘29 added, “We have good team chemistry, everybody is happy with each other and having fun. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience.” Jackson McLear ‘28 said, “I feel like I had a bit of an advantage. I’ve played on this course a lot, so I know what to do.” Zhou agreed, stating, “We had home course advantage, you know. It felt like home playing on this course, so we can play well.” Allen said, “Everyone loves going out there on Saturdays. Chambersburg is a great course, and everyone just looks forward to it. It is a blessing to play.” Head coach Doug Smith described the team's efforts as “solid, if not spectacular. I think our team has greater heights that we’re going to reach. Contributing to the Storm’s win, Allen ‘27 finished his game with a score of 79. He said, “I hit a good iron shot on two, and drained a thirty-footer for birdie, and I just keep that train going.” However, the game wasn’t without challenges. “I feel like I could’ve done better the first nine holes. I could’ve putted it better,” Zhou said. “I struggled to score well today,” Mclear added, “it was a terrible round for me.” Allen added, “[Holes] thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen at Chambersburg was the hardest stretch of holes I’ve ever played. You can’t rip a driver, which is instinctively what you want to do. Here, you have to play smart. The guys I was playing with both took a driver, and I took a 220 shot, and it just put me 4 strokes above the field.” Accompanying the team’s win, some of the Blue Storm’s new players had new takeaways and improvements. Zhou said, “When I first got here, I still wasn’t used to it, but after two weeks I got into the flow and understood the game better.” Despite the big win, the real challenge is yet to come. Allen said, “[Musselman, McConnellsburg, and Martinsburg] aren’t really our real competition. We have a match this week which is going to be difficult, and we would love to win that.” With the incoming freshmen and the maturing of the returners, Mercersburg golf is ready to have one of its best seasons. The team has already shown steady improvement, strong chemistry, and a determination to compete at a high level. Looking ahead, they hope to turn their momentum into lasting success throughout the fall. Coach Smith said, “Golf is a long season, there’s a lot of ups and downs, and these guys have mostly been through it before. I don’t set goals as individual wins or tournaments, but I want the whole team to continuously improve.” Previous Next

Chloe Allis '25 < Back Escar-gone! Chloe Allis '25 Apr 21, 2023 While most students left for Long Spring Weekend right at noon on Friday, the girls lacrosse, track and field, and softball teams stayed just a little bit longer to compete for the MCup. The recent but esteemed rivalry matches Mercersburg Academy and The Madeira School. All three teams dominated the competition to secure the MCup this year for Mercersburg. “The girls track team ran well against Madiera. In terms of morale, it's important to help them understand that in a dual meet, with only two teams, every performance, place, and point counts toward the end result,” said Rachel Mallory, assistant girls track coach. “A number of the distance athletes ran PRs [personal records] in their events, which was exciting since Mercersburg ran uncontested in both the mile and the two-mile, and it can be hard to stay focused on your own. The 4x100m team consisting of Addie Heldman ’25, Anneliese Iasiello ’26, Kyla Moore ’24, and Abby Kendall ’26 also had an outstanding performance, with Kendall coming from behind to take victory by only a few meters. It was a fun race to watch,” said Mallory. “I think the meet went well,” said Maddie Goodhart ’24, “Throughout the week we had some pretty tough workouts, which helped us prep for the meet. We also were able to look at things that went wrong during our last meet and fix them for the meet against Madeira. A few people set PRs, people got to try new events, and overall it was super fun! The meet also ended early, which was appreciated.” Girls lacrosse dominated its game. “We played really well, winning 19-3 and showing how well we are working together and improving from game to game,” said girls lacrosse coach Kristin Ahlgren. “I loved the game because it was a time where every player was able to get in the game and make contributions!” Twin sisters Zarreen and Zareena Sorho ’23 also both reached the 100 career points milestone during the game against Madeira. “I feel so proud of having accomplished a milestone like this. There’s always more milestones to achieve. This is just the beginning of something great,” said Zareena Sorho. The girls’ softball team had an astonishing victory of 15-0 concluding the game in 5 innings. “I think the game went really well,” said Ava Guzic ’25, who scored four runs. “We made all the plays we were supposed to and got a lot of people around the bases. It was a lot of fun.” Looking ahead to the rest of the season, all teams have some tough MAP: games, as well as other, equally as tough, competitions to prepare for. Every team is looking to work hard and perform their best. “The big goal is to always push to improve. We don't want to be the same as we were last week; we want to continue getting better throughout the season and be playing our best when we reach the final game!” said Ahlgren. Previous Next

Adrienne Howard '26 < Back Flying by an Olympian Adrienne Howard '26 Nov 15, 2024 Two weeks ago, Mercersburg Academy hosted its largest swim meet to date. Over 450 swimmers from 13 different teams competed in the Lloyd Aquatic Center in individual and team events from Friday through Sunday. The meet saw a series of outstanding performances from Academy swimmers. Most notably, Caiden Bowers ’25 broke the school record set by former Olympian Mel Stewart ’88 in the 100-yard butterfly. Reflecting on his performance, Bowers said, “I think the meet went well, and I executed the details the way I wanted to. The time I broke the record was slower than my PR, but for this point in the season, I was really happy with it.” Head Coach Matt Hurst added, “Anytime you get to take an Olympic gold medalist off the board, that is noteworthy.” In preparation for the meet, Blue Storm trained diligently. Hurst explained, “We spent a lot of time talking about how to execute our races, breaking them down at practice. We looked at what we needed to do to be successful and worked on controlling the race.” Sophie Koroma ’26 added, “We focused mostly on power work and underwater training.” Spirits were high heading into the race. Harry Cameron ’26 commended his team’s camaraderie, saying, “We are focusing on the team aspect like cheering each other on and being attentive during the meet.” Beliz Kaya ’28 explained, “After the first meet, we realized we weren’t cheering each other on enough, so this time, we focused on motivating each other more.” William Feaste ’25 agreed, stating, “We’re working on maintaining a positive attitude and mindset, which is just as important as our physical performance.” Cameron concluded, “We started as individuals and now we’re working together as one unit. We’ve all gotten closer, and it’s been great seeing everyone cheer for each other.” Storm swimmers delivered strong performances in other events as well. Koroma said, “We had two really strong relays: the men’s and women’s 200 medley relays, which were close to breaking records.” Hurst agreed, adding, “The guys' 200-meter medley relay almost broke the pool record and was close to the school record. On the girls’ side, we saw depth and versatility across the board. In particular, Beliz also had some really good performances and showed us the athlete and competitor she could be.” The team has shown strong progress and promising results under the leadership of Hurst, who is a new addition to Mercersburg’s swim program this year. Bowers said, “Matt has been such a great addition, and we are going to be in good shape to race in the winter.” Previous Next

Ian Kim '27 < Back C U at CMUNCE Ian Kim '27 Jan 24, 2025 On January 16, six delegates from Mercersburg Academy’s Model UN program traveled to New York City to participate in the Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE) at Columbia University. Despite a few challenges along the way, the Mercersburg students and faculty described the trip as a success filled with growth and notable achievements. Mercersburg’s delegation for the trip included Max Friedman ’25, Tahir Hasanov ’25, Taimur Rehman ’25, Mio Boege ’26, Tristan Paulette ’27, and Prin Sairungsri ’27. The team’s preparation and dedication were evident, as three students received awards for their outstanding performances. Paulette was recognized as the Outstanding Delegate in his crisis committee, while Boege and Sairungsri earned honorable mentions. Over the course of three days, delegates at CMUNCE simulated international diplomacy by debating real-world issues, crafting resolutions, and navigating fast-paced scenarios. This year, topics ranged from femicide and Arctic geopolitics to futuristic space policy challenges. “I didn’t realize how large and competitive these conferences could be,” said history teacher Rich Heffron. “The energy in the rooms was palpable, and it was inspiring to see our students ‘locked in’ from the moment they arrived.” MUN faculty adviser, Director of Experiential Education Emily Parsons, commended the commitment of her students. “This was my first major conference, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Our delegation’s maturity and preparation were impressive. Every time I visited a session, our students were engaged, speaking up, and showing their command of the topics. Watching them grow through the process was the real highlight.” Paulette said, “The conference was great! My committee, the ‘Arctic Race for Space,’ focused on the competition for resources in the Arctic. It was intense but rewarding. I learned how to make my ideas stand out in a room where my voice initially felt minor.” He also added, “Getting to know my teammates better was one of the best parts of the trip.” Friedman, who participated in the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), enjoyed the opportunity to tackle significant issues. “We debated femicide, and while the conference had a bumpy start—we didn’t even have placards on the first day—I met amazing people with great ideas.” On an unrelated note, Friedman remarked, “A personal highlight was visiting the diner from Seinfeld !” For many of the delegates, CMUNCE helped reinforce the value of diplomacy and collaboration. “Healthy debate helps you connect with people,” Paulette said. Boege echoed this sentiment, saying, “Seeing Columbia at night was magical, but what stood out was the shared experience with the team and the opportunities to network with other delegates.” Beyond the conference, the trip included exploring Manhattan, experiencing Columbia’s campus, and navigating unexpected challenges, such as subway repairs and travel delays. “It was just a great time,” Boege elaborated. “Walking through the middle of Times Square, getting pizza, and meeting all the excellent people on campus was really cool.” “Despite a ton of walking and a last-minute change in travel plans, the students stayed upbeat,” Heffron stated. Parsons concluded, “Our students demonstrated not just skill but also a willingness to learn and grow. That’s what Model UN is all about.” Previous Previous Next Next

Jelly Nguyen '24 < Back This doesn't rhyme, but... Jelly Nguyen '24 Apr 14, 2023 For every month, there is a celebration. In February, it’s Black history. In March, it’s women’s history. In April, poetry it’s poetry. National Poetry Month was established in April of 1996 by the Academy of American Poets with the hopes of recognizing the role of poetry in American life. Within Mercersburg Academy, there are many ways to recognize this month. The haiku contest, which is open throughout April, is a way for students and faculty to demonstrate their love of poetry through a simple but meaningful poem. Also featured, will be a “haiku of the day” when members of the community read a haiku of their choice to the rest of the community after advisory lunches. To start the month, Oscar Su ’25 read the poem he wrote and submitted to the haiku contest. Also a part of the monthly celebration, a form was sent out to the entire community, asking “What’s your favorite poem?” This continues to encourage the community to engage with their inner poet and share the art they appreciate. “People connect to poetry and this gives a place for them to share what poetry means to them. Poetry connects real feelings to real connections and memories and could be a way to mark important things in life,” said English Department Head and Director of the Writing Center Michele Poacelli. As a part of the celebration, Mel Cort ’23 is offering a workshop on Tuesday, April 18. Cort will offer the workshop “Bookbinding for Beginners” from 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm at the Writing Center. For many members of the Mercersburg community, poetry is an integral part of their lives, a way to express even the tiniest things that seem negligible in everyday routine. For Poacelli, poetry is a way to pay attention to the littlest details of life that one often overlooks. “The reason I like poetry so much is that it makes me see the world. Poetry helps to draw attention: Stop, pause, look around, consider, and reconsider,” she said. For Cort and Isonah Dlodlo ‘23, two active poets in the community, poetry is a way to express their feelings about trivial things that are often ignored by the normal eye. “ I use poetry as a creative outlet and a way to romanticize my life. I like writing about inconsequential moments that seem pretty as if they're the center of the world. Some of my favorite poems I've written are about hearing aids, ordering at Mcdonald's, a nurse who was nice to me, and a leaking trash can,” said Cort. For Dlodlo, poetry is, in simple words, life. “ Poetry for me is a means of breathing, it is life, it is how I process and express my emotions. It's flawed and sometimes I hate it. But I also always love it.” Previous Previous Next Next

Jack Lewis '25 < Back Reporting with heart Jack Lewis '25 Jan 17, 2025 On Monday, January 13, 2025, Mercersburg Academy welcomed PBS NewsHour foreign affairs and defense correspondent Nick Schifrin as this year’s Schaff Lecture on Ethics and Morals. Schifrin shared powerful reflections on the role of empathy in journalism and the moral complications of reporting from conflict zones around the world. Schifrin began his talk by recounting a poignant moment from his time covering the war in Ukraine. He met a Ukrainian mother whose son had been tortured and killed during the conflict. He stood with her as she identified his exhumed body. Despite the unimaginable pain she was enduring, Schifrin approached their conversation with empathy, asking her gently, “Tell me about your son.” Schiffrin mentioned another moment when interviewing victims of war, admitting, “I was already crying before what she said was translated.” Her tone and body language expressed more than the translator’s words. He explained that as a reporter, he aimed to honor her story without exploiting her grief and described how this is the same for any journalist covering such events. Schifrin has had an extensive career, taking him to some of the world’s most dangerous regions. From reporting on the annexation of Crimea and the war in Gaza to covering the Syrian conflict and the fallout of Osama bin Laden’s death, his work has had to respond to the realities of war and the ethical dilemmas journalists face in the field. Schifrin noted the personal toll of his lifelong work, particularly on his family. Reflecting on a broadcast in 2014 in Gaza, he recalled a text he received from his mother in which she conveyed her fears for his safety. Despite this personal tug, he emphasized the importance of the work, describing it as a responsibility to inform the public and amplify the voices of those directly affected by conflict as well as a calling in his own life. His emphasis on empathy extended beyond individual stories to the larger mission of journalism. Schifrin argued that ethical reporting requires journalists to truly listen and seek understanding, rather than simply chase headlines. He encouraged the audience to consider the moral weight of storytelling and the impact it has on both the subjects and the audience. With a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Schifrin has built his career on integrity and a commitment to uncovering truth. His work has received numerous awards, including the Peabody Award and the National Press Club’s Edwin M. Hood Award for Diplomatic Correspondence. Schifrin concluded his formal lecture, leaving the audience eager to ask questions. “I thought the speaker last night was incredible. I will remember his answer about world peace for a long time. The idea that humanity is the opposite of war resonated a lot with me,” Addie Heldman ‘25 explained. “I was also really excited that the school brought in someone who works in media and journalism because I think now more than ever, they impact our age group.” “It was cool to see outside my bubble. I’m in a really good place, but there are people out there going through so much,” Asher Keim ‘28 said. “Seeing what others are dealing with and feeling for them was eye-opening.” Previous Previous Next Next

Ivy Chan ‘24 < Back Catchin’ up with StuCo! Ivy Chan ‘24 Jan 27, 2023 Mercersburg students know and love the Executive Student Council. Despite this, many do not know the details of what their jobs entail. It is important to know what the Executive Student Council is doing for the Mercersburg community, so Ivy Chan ‘24 spoke to President Peter Rice ’23, Vice President Kalwa Tembo ’23, and Executive Member-at-Large Manuel Ponce ’23. This article is their discussion of what the student council is up to this year. Mercersburg News: What has the Student Council been working on this year? Peter Rice: Along with running fundraisers and hosting school and class events, Student Council is currently working on a list of school policy changes including bringing back meal cuts and creating a system for boarding students to have sleepovers in other dorms. Manuel Ponce: We have been working on a couple of things such as bringing back same-sex fob privileges, extending gym hours, and reintroducing meal cuts. Kalwa Tembo: We kicked off the year by bringing in Dr. Williams’ smoothie and açaí bowl truck way back in early September. Since then we’ve been meeting with Mr. McDowell Wednesday mornings to discuss changes we’d like to see in the school this year. Peter, Manny, and I have been working tirelessly to continue to make Mercersburg a great place to learn and enjoy our teen years. MN: What are the student council’s goals for the year? PR: The Student Council's goal is to always improve the overall life and culture of the student body, and this remains true this year. MP: We are mostly trying to change a few things here and there but most importantly trying to hype up Irving-Marshall Week. Culture rebuilding! KT: We want to bring back a lot of the school policies and rules that have changed while the school was battling Covid to bring back some of the aspects that drew us to the school all those years ago. We want to leave Mercersburg a place the kids can proudly call “their home away from home” by creating great relationships that will last a lifetime. MN: What inspired you to run for the Student Council? PR: I joined the Student Council because I thought it would be a fun way to get more involved within the Mercersburg community. MP: I love hearing from students about what they would like to see changed in school, and I am excited to have the opportunity to advance these ideas for the benefit of the student body. KT: The long-lasting authenticity of this school is what I appreciate about it most. The student body is composed of my favorite people in the world, and they deserve to have people working within the school to advocate for them. MN: In what ways can students not in the Student Council get involved? PR: There's nothing stopping you from bringing your ideas directly to the Office of Student Life, and I encourage everyone to do so when they discover an issue they're passionate about. You can also speak to any member of the Student Council and we will do our best to make the changes you would like to see. MP: They can always talk to Peter, Kali, or me if they have any ideas or concerns with the school. We are here to listen and take in any thoughts the students have! KT: Please talk to us! No matter how you do it, trust me we will listen! MN: How do you want underclassmen to carry on what the Student Council has been working on already? PR: I hope that the underclassmen will just continue shaping the school to the way they want it to be. MP: I would say to just push for the ideas that spark your interest the most. You will have our support no matter what! KT: Keep the love going man! Don’t lose sight of the common goal shared by all of your student leaders, to encourage and help all students. Previous Previous Next Next

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Ellie Yang ‘27 < Back Back in the olden days Ellie Yang ‘27 Apr 19, 2024 The Conococheague Institute (CI) is a hands-on regional learning center established in an 18th-century historic farmstead in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. CI’s 30-acre site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has undertaken a mission to “develop and foster awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the cultural and natural history of the Appalachian frontier of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.” The property’s history extends back to the early 1730s and the original site has become a learning opportunity for visitors today. CI’s museum life began with site tours and now allows visitors to engage with 18th-century history and natural beauty. Matthew Wedd, Executive Director of CI, is the main face of the organization. Wedd said, “All donations, grants, and accounts are undertaken by me. Maintaining a good relationship with donors and community partners is paramount.” Mercersburg and the Conococheague Institute have established meaningful connections over a period of years, especially through the Community Engagement program. “Mercersburg and Conococheague have had a relationship longer than my own time at CI, through Community Engagement and volunteer projects, but the relationship took off in August 2021, when Emily Parsons reached out to me as part of her new role as Director of Community Engagement,” said Wedd. Soon after, a partnership was established involving students who participated in a variety of activities ranging from cemetery restoration, historic preservation, tree plantings, and gardening. Wedd noted, “The Community Engagement program has a huge impact on our site, not just by providing so many willing hands for larger projects, but by enabling us to be able to schedule these activities regularly.” The CI also partnered with Mercersburg to launch their intensive program which received national recognition and allowed the establishment of public programs and summer camps at CI. This award-winning program is called “Full on Frontier: Can you Live 18th Century” “Matthew and I put together the CE connection and we worked on the Intensive,” said Emily Parsons. Wedd added, “The program also raised CI's awareness to donors, and resulted in a $1,000,000 endowment contribution split between the Conococheague Institute and Mercersburg Academy from alumnus Robert M Kurtz, Jr. ‘52.” One of the students who has worked extensively with the organization is Selena Feng ‘24, who did an internship for the CI last summer. Feng explained, “I’m another set of hands or another maroon shirt there to help out and answer questions.” The opportunity allows students to get to know hundreds of people who visit over the summer and lets them take a look at events such as Fall Frolic and Archery programs. “The impact I’m most proud of is teaching kids about history and watching their eyes sparkle in excitement,” said Feng. The CI offers a plethora of opportunities and allows people to explore the depths of Pennsylvania's colonial history and participate in frontier-themed activities. Previous Previous Next Next