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

Meet The Team! Editor-in-Chief Carrie Yang '27 Editor-in-Chief Tristan Paulette '27 Managing Editor Susanna Huang '27 Copy Editor Charley McCracken 27' Online Editor Pema Namdol '27 Online Editor Trace Russell '28 Photo Editor Liam Glick 27' Front Editor Lucas Chen '27 Front Editor Liza Hoa '27 Opinion Editor William Shen '27 Opinion Editor Riley Choi '28 Features Editor Eric Wang '27 Features Editor Michelle Zhang '28 Sports Editor William Luo '27 Sports Editor Matthew Orders '28 Arts Editor Ethan Shi '28 Hustle & Bustle Editor Alle Garza ’27 Hustle & Bustle Editor Audrey Stambaugh ‘27 Editor-in-training Ariel Xu' 28 Editor-in-training Kaden Yang Social Media Manager Mae Van Hove '27 Join News applications open in the spring term of each year!

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

Will Lee ‘25 < Back A meal fit for a (Egg Roll) king Will Lee ‘25 Nov 13, 2023 Across from Rutters and adjacent to Dollar General, you will find the borough’s only Chinese restaurant: Egg Roll King. Over the years, the restaurant has left its mark on Mercersburg Academy’s community members, finding success as one of the most popular restaurant options among students. Established in the early 2000s, Egg Roll King has remained a family business, similar to other local restaurants in the town, such as Compadres. Its primary cashier, the son of owner Hao Chen, expresses his gratitude for Mercersburg students while acknowledging the challenges facing a small restaurant dealing with multiple orders. “There really is no specific average number of orders we receive every week. Some nights, we may only have a few orders and other nights we could receive well over 10. It all depends on whether the students are on break or not. As I’m sure you can tell right away when you call, there are some days where we are rushing to write down orders while other days we can take our time about it.” He adds, “We are always thankful to Mercersburg Academy students for enjoying our food.” Chen mentions that his favorite dish has changed over the years. Lately, it has been General Tso’s chicken, which is the restaurant’s most popular dish. He encourages students, regardless of their food tastes and cuisine background to try Egg Roll King due to its unique flavors and endless options, ranging from a typical Chinese dish such as beef fried rice to a more fusion Chinese dish such as fried chicken wings. He hopes to continue helping his mom with the restaurant as much as he can and most enjoys the day-to-day interactions he has with customers. Quarterback Kenneth Austin ’27 has noticed the impact Egg Roll King has had on the football team. He said, “It keeps my offensive line, wide receiver, tight end, and other players fueled for games.” Wyatt Parks ’25 says, “I love food. Food brings joy to my life and keeps me going, especially when I order Egg Roll King.” Reed Warner ’25, said, “When I eat Egg Roll King, I feel alive and happy again.” The restaurant also helps Asian students deal with homesickness, being a taste of ‘home away from home,’ though most order off menu. Ruby Shang ’24 says, “Whenever I miss home, I order Egg Roll King.” The Chinese student community at Mercersburg Academy regularly patronizes Egg Roll King for their dinner meetings, ordering Chinese meals that they know and love to enjoy together. Over the years Egg Roll King has become a staple in the Mercersburg Academy community as one of the go-to spots to order from to enjoy with friends. Previous Previous Next Next

Paris Zhang < Back Ellie Yang Paris Zhang Feb 5, 2026 Showcased in Lenfest Hall is The Memory Garden , a self-published children’s book by Ellie Yang ’27. A student interested in both science and art, Yang uses the metaphor of wilted flowers in a garden to explain Alzheimer’s disease to young readers. “My inspiration was my grandmother, who passed away due to Alzheimer’s,” Yang said. “As a child, I didn’t get to know what happened to her. I didn’t know what Alzheimer’s disease was, so I thought that being able to create a science children’s book would be a good way to give back to my community and also commemorate my grandmother.” Yang said her interest in creating a picture book was also influenced by other authors. “I was inspired by this author named Jason Chin, and he wrote a science book called Hurricane ,” Yang said. “He kind of stitched science and art together to help teach science to kids, and his illustrations really inspired me to keep going.” Yang emphasized the importance of making scientific knowledge accessible to younger audiences. “Science should be shared with everyone of all ages, regardless of their education,” she said. “I want to expand beyond that barrier and allow children to understand critical health issues just as adults would.” Julie Bell, assistant librarian at Lenfest Hall, said children’s books can play an important role in education and community engagement. “Sometimes classes have to interpret a picture book,” Bell said. “We also had a program where students would go and read to kids at the elementary school and at the First United Methodist Church preschool. It’s not academic, but it’s a good service because everybody lives here.” Yang said careful planning was required to make the book accessible to children. The book was fully illustrated and designed digitally. “It took a lot of thinking and finding good analogies,” Yang said. “I had different ideas, like a factory or a kingdom, and ultimately I thought a garden was the most fun and best for a children’s book.” Writing, illustrating, and publishing the book presented challenges, particularly as Yang transitioned to digital art. “I was very much a studio art person,” she said. “I thought digital art was the best way to approach this, so I spent a lot of time drafting different sketches. Each illustration probably took one or two hours.” Yang said completing and distributing the book marked a significant milestone. “My biggest milestone was publishing it,” she said. “I was also able to donate books in China and get them translated.” Yang said conversations with Mercersburg faculty encouraged her to continue writing and publishing. “I was able to talk to English teachers while sitting at a table with Mr. McGuire and Ms. Poacelli,” she said. “It inspired me to keep expanding my publishing. I have a second book published called The Digestive Factory , and I’m planning to create a third one before I graduate.” Bell said Yang’s work also serves as an example for other students. “It shows other students what is possible,” Bell said. “She did this at a young age, and that’s meaningful to see.” Previous Previous Next Next

Maia Somma '24 < Back Counselors comin' in clutch Maia Somma '24 Dec 9, 2022 Today, high school students are increasingly struggling with mental health issues. Although we have seemingly returned to a state of normalcy post-lockdown, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students has continued. According to a 2021 study by the CDC, 44% of students reported feeling sad or hopeless every day for two consecutive weeks or more. This is only one statistic amongst a decade-long trend of declining mental health in adolescents caused by college and athletic pressures, to name but a few factors. In students, the term “mental health issues” most commonly refers to episodes of anxiety and/or depression, followed by eating disorders and substance abuse. While there are different causes of eroding mental health for teenagers, school tends to be a significant factor for many. Living at boarding school may exacerbate the stress generally caused by school, derived from academic pressure or social scenarios. Amid a heavy workload, a dense schedule, and the pressure of expectations, students find it increasingly difficult to take care of themselves. Fortunately, being in a boarding school environment also affords a unique advantage: the school can be involved in providing important resources and support to students. The same CDC study said, students who feel supported and cared for at their schools are 20% less likely to repeatedly feel sad and hopeless. Thus, a school can make a positive impact in their students’ lives by successfully addressing mental health. Currently, Mercersburg offers several mental health resources for students in the community and the adults who work with them. The Rutherford Health and Wellness Center has three full time, licensed counselors to provide support: Jen Sipes, Schaffer Post ‘02, and Bethany Galey ‘02. The team sometimes brings in outside professionals or refers students to others if needed. These services are all free of charge, with no time limit. “We also offer Wellness Wednesday lunch periods, whether to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the dining hall or address concerns students may be facing,” said Galey. Given the increased need for mental health services, the Counseling Department has recently implemented new initiatives. “Some of what the X-Block curriculum consists of comes from the Counseling Department, including stress management and healthy relationships,” Amy Schaffer Post explained. Additionally, during finals week in the fall, the counselors provided virtual brain breaks for students to take a pause from studying. To increase outreach, the Counseling Center also plans on “hanging up posters with 2 QR codes, one allowing students to connect to us directly and another allowing students to anonymously express concern about another,” Post added. When visiting the Counseling Center, Mercersburg students can expect a certain degree of confidentiality. “Any student ages 14 and over has the right to confidentiality, meaning the services and the appointments are kept within the safe space of the office. If a student comes in speaking of safety concerns, whether toward themselves or someone else, we do have an obligation by law to breach the confidentiality,” said Schaffer Post. Considering the possible ways in which the Mercersburg community could improve on student mental health support, the Counseling Department offered many suggestions. “Check in with your friends, that’s where it starts,” Galey said. “Don’t be afraid if you’re concerned for a friend to reach out to a trained adult,” Sipes continued. They also emphasized the importance of exercise, movement, and getting outside. “Prioritize your well-being, because if you aren’t well physically, emotionally, or spiritually, you won’t be able to perform to the best of your ability.” This article is the first in a series committed to the discussion of mental health at Mercersburg. Previous Previous Next Next

Sophie Han ’27 < Back Rookie Ricks places first Sophie Han ’27 Jan 24, 2025 Last Saturday, Mercersburg’s diving team kicked off its home season with a solid performance. With a larger team than in past years, the group has been working hard on both individual performances and team chemistry. The athletes’ progress is steady as they look toward the upcoming MAPL meet and Eastern Championships. First-place finisher Trevi Ricks ’28 summarized the highlights. "I had a rocky incident in the warm-ups during one of my jumps where my feet hit the board, but my dives were good, and my hard work paid off," Ricks said. "The team did really great. A lot of people were nervous before their dives, but you couldn't even tell because they did so well and dove confidently." The strong results resulted from many factors. Ali Young ’26 said, "Our team is really focused this season, and it's great to see both returning divers and new teammates stepping up. Practices have been hard, but quality time in the hot tub always helps. It's a good way for us to relax and connect as a team after working hard." Head diving coach Frank Betkowski explained, "Our team this year has twice as many divers as we have had in past years, having to do with the decision to not cut anybody. Our returning divers are in great shape. Ricks is new this year and a great addition. The boys, all new, tend to learn pretty fast. I'd say the team is looking pretty good." The team has been making significant progress in their training, focusing on individual improvement. “We have divers with different experiences and familiarities with the team or the sport; regardless of it, each of our personalized plans [contributes] collectively to our team,” said Anouk Wandeler ’26. Despite the individualized training, the divers feel very connected. Eve Gunkelman ’28 added, “Mr B’s and the seniors’ feedback for me after every dive keeps me on track. Even when we occasionally mess up dives, we tend to laugh it off and focus on getting better.” The team's work during the season builds toward significant events like the MAPL Championships and the Eastern Championships. Will Donovan ’25 noted, "I'm personally working on going to the Eastern Championships meet in February like many of our other divers. For many of us, this weekend is only our first meet of the season." Betkowski elaborated, “Some people learned new dives this week in preparation leading up to this meet, and there are divers [that competed for] the first time in front of judges. However, our ultimate goal is to earn as [many] points as possible in the Eastern Championships to help the program, so the meets leading up to it are good opportunities for us to practice and compete.” With the strong performances this weekend, the team is poised for a promising season under the leadership of their coach and seniors. The positive energy and determination the divers have committed to the team demonstrate serious preparation for the upcoming MAPL and Eastern Championships. Previous Next

Lucas Chen '27 < Back The latest buzz on campus Lucas Chen '27 Apr 12, 2024 Last fall, Tippetts Hall gained a new function -The Shop: the first and only barbershop on Mercersburg's campus. This establishment, founded by Jamar Galbreath, Acting Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, has added a new dimension to campus life. Galbreath stated, “I have been seeing lots of buzz cuts on campus, and one of my goals is to create more opportunities for students to get haircuts in The Shop and utilize it on their own or with some of us nearby who can help.” Run with the expertise of Lance Walker, barbershop proprietor in Chambersburg, PA, The Shop has received a sea of positive feedback from students and become a favorite place on campus due to its convenient location in the basement of Tippetts Hall. William Luo '27 said, "I do believe that getting a haircut at The Shop would be the most efficient thing I would do since I live in Tippetts and also in the Mercersburg area, and I don't need to leave campus either." Grant Kurmakov '25 agreed and commented, "Before, when I wanted a haircut, I would have to go back home or off campus. But The Shop made it convenient. I didn't have to leave campus, and I could get a haircut while being at school." The Shop has won students over not only because of its proximity and convenience but also because of its professional and welcoming atmosphere. Yule Kwon '26 commented, "I have never had a black barber before because I live in Asia, and I never thought he would actually know how to cut my straight Asian hair. It's different from the hair of other races, so I was worried, but then it was a very good process, and he did me right." Luo praised the experience: "The atmosphere was amazing, and the designs—I absolutely loved them because everything was so organized. What I like to comment most about it is that the music was absolutely spot on, no matter if it was the material or the atmosphere. It feels like a normal barbershop or even a cafe. I really enjoyed it there." The only flaw the students mentioned was the long wait, due to only having one barber. Luo gave the overall experience a solid nine out of ten, citing the wait time as the only negative. "The only reason I took off one star is because I think there could be two barbers available simultaneously. I had to wait about an hour and a half to get my haircut, but overall, the barber was professional, and I really enjoyed it." The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Taimur Rehman ‘23 said, "I would say that whenever The Shop is open and you need a haircut, it should be your first option." Additionally, Kwon remarked, “It’s hard for international students to go to a barber and get a haircut when you are in Mercersburg. I would definitely recommend The Shop, especially if you live in Tippetts and want a good style.” Nevertheless, The Shop has a ways to go and a bright future ahead. If looking for a clean haircut and a fashionable style, don’t hesitate to visit The Shop on a Monday night and enjoy its professional haircut. Previous Previous Next Next