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Tristen Paulette '27 and Michael Zhang '26 < Back A change in the system: Help Centers Tristen Paulette '27 and Michael Zhang '26 In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, Mercersburg Academy has restructured the staffing of the evening help centers. Formerly known as the Language Media, Math and Science, and Writing Centers, the new “Help Center” has been reimagined as a hub where all students get assistance with their specific academic need. Michele Poacelli, English Department Head and Director of the Writing Center explained, “We’re just calling it The Hub. So everybody goes there, and they hang out. It's kind of fun, and it's good energy in the room." She continued, "When kids come in to get help, they go to breakout spaces, and the breakout spaces are all along the third floor of Irvine. The rooms just become the breakout spaces where people go with the trained tutors to get the help that they need." Poacelli also highlighted even more minute changes to the Help Center function. “Retakes are not happening in the health center anymore. They’re happening during study hall because study hall is fine.” Associate Head of School Jen Craig downplayed the significance of these changes, stating, “There actually aren't any substantive changes for students; we've kept all help centers open for the same amount of time and the centers are still covered with adults and student assistants, but the way we run the adult supervision has changed.” She continued, “We are confident that students have multiple, effective avenues for academic support. At the same time, we recognize that the level of adult supervision in the centers far outpaced actual need, and we can create greater workload equity by adjusting how that supervision is assigned.” Craig did, furthermore, elaborate on how these changes came about. “First, we want to acknowledge how impressed we are by the efficacy of our student tutors. Whenever I’ve filled in as a substitute, I’ve been struck by how talented, reliable, and committed they are—so continuing to lean on them was never in question,” she said. “Second, we revisited the practice of students receiving extra help from adults in the dorms. For several years, this was discouraged, but upon reflection, we found the original reasoning unconvincing. We believe that students should be able to seek help from the adults on duty, which meaningfully expands access to support across the school. In addition, the availability of appropriate online resources has only grown, and together these two factors ensure that all students have greater, more diverse ways to access help.” Associate Head of School for School Life, Julia Maurer, did extensive work to justify the change. “I collected the data. We looked at the tap-in data on the students’ Blue Cards. Students frequent the [Lenfest] Library and the Burgin Center [for the Arts]. Then we looked at the numbers for the Writing Center [and for] the Language Media Center (LMC), which were lower than those for students using the Math and Science Center.” Language Department Head Benjamin McNeil reinforced Maurer’s point, saying, “They restructured it because we didn't get a lot of traffic last year, so they combined all the centers so all the students go to one place to get help. I think it's actually better for language because some students had trouble just going to the LMC for language, but now it's like - ‘Oh, I can get math help here and after this I'll get some language help.’ This might create a little more traffic for languages.” Craig continued, reinforcing the necessity of the changes and their benefits, stating, “To keep the help centers, Burgin, and library open for the same amount of time while providing greater workload equity across night-time supervision and to shift extra help to a more relational and flexible model for all extra help. It reinforces the purpose of study hall and promotes the academic relational work in the dorm; it's always good to try and improve practices that are inequitable; trying to build a healthier balance of care for the adults while providing high-level support for students.” Jim Malone, physics teacher and math center faculty proctor, agreed, saying that the changes were made “to improve the efficiency of faculty duty assignments,” but also that “it’s too early to tell” what effects the restructuring will have on learning in these spaces. Poacelli highlighted some of the struggles resulting from the reorganization. “There was a really specific community that happened on your night because you're coming with those four kids, and it was just sort of an intimate kind of space and you got to know each other really well and you had great conversations,” she said. “I think that maybe some of that small discipline-specific kinds of community that forms might be lost. I think that’s a shame, and I’m saddened by that.” The shift to operations has also demanded adjustments. “We used to have centers running on two floors. We’ve now consolidated them to run on one floor in Irvine Hall. The new location and spaces [have posed] a challenge,” said Maurer. McNeil added, “I think the disadvantage is that it's a larger group [gathering in the Hub space] and it could be noisier and more confusing. People can get lost in the shuffle and maybe not feel as comfortable to go to a big, large group to ask for help.” With these changes, the help centers have some goals planned for the year ahead. “We [wanted] to make sure that the student helpers are really committed to the role this year,” stated Maurer. “We were seeing [that] some students weren’t always attending on their nights last year. That [goal] would have been true even regardless of the changes.” Malone added, “I think it's a little weird, a little hard to get used to. But it seems to me that the kids are getting help the way they need, which is what matters.” Previous Next

Maddie Weiss '25 < Back Brewing up a storm Maddie Weiss '25 Dec 8, 2023 Amid the flurry of essays, projects, and homework, many students try to find an escape from the stressful atmosphere of work and grades. Romanticizing study through playlists, food, and friends is common. One North offers all of this. Located a few blocks off campus, One North is a cozy cafe with drinks and pastries, where students can briefly escape their busy lives with a sweet getaway. One North promotes a healthy work-life balance, encouraging students to be productive while enjoying the company of friends. The menu at the cafe offers a wide range of food and drinks, with fresh pastries on display every week. Many students visit the cafe frequently. Leah Willis, '24, a barista at the cafe, says, "About half of our orders are from Academy kids during the school year," adding, "Saying hello to people I know when they come in is my favorite part!" Students' connection to the cafe further connects Mercersburg Academy to the local community and encourages them to make new friends in a fun change of pace from campus life. Many students have favorite orders, the most popular being lattes, hot chocolates (especially during winter), and sandwiches like turkey, bacon, avocado, and Caprese. Avery Liu, '25, says her favorite order is the mango chiller and the turkey-and-swiss panini pressed, a good mix of sweet and savory. While some students think One North is better for catching up with friends and socializing, others are committed to their academics. Celia Kerf, '25, says, "It's easy to focus on your work in One North because other people around you are also focused, and it motivates you. Sometimes it's also nice to go there for lunch with friends when you want a break from the dining hall food." Though newer students may have yet to learn this, One North used to be located across the street in the building on the square currently under construction. Some faculty and day students may remember their earlier times at the old One North. Renovations are currently being made to the building and will be completed by the end of this school year; plans are for the cafe to move back in. One North contributes to its community by sourcing local products and goods. There are many things to look at, from books to mugs to packaged pastries! Whether you're a coffee lover or not, One North is worth a try. Previous Previous Next Next

Claire Chow ‘26 < Back Recruiting male choristers! Claire Chow ‘26 Sep 12, 2025 As people sat in the pews of the chapel and listened to the Chorale perform during Convocation, many in the audience couldn’t help but notice that the choristers consisted mostly of female students, and only four males, including Director of Bands Shami Beni. However, if you peek into the Chorale room in the Burgin Center for the Arts during Rotation E, you will be met with an even bigger surprise: the Chorale has one male participant—Miles New ’27. Jim Brinson, Chorale Director, said simply, “We need more tenors and basses to balance the soprano and alto parts.” With 14 girls in the Chorale currently, New’s voice is swallowed by the sopranos and altos around him. This brings up the underlying question: Are fewer boys participating in the arts? In recent years, the number of male choristers has gradually decreased. However, New noted that in all the years he has participated, there has always been at least one other boy, making this year especially noteworthy. New feels as though his responsibility and role in the Chorale have become more important. “With fewer people supporting the major tenor parts,” he said. “Any mistake stands out more.” Brinson also pointed out the problem of New having no one to lean on and that “it's difficult to make sure a single tenor is confident when he is the only voice.” Even with this imbalance, New’s mood, dedication, and interest remain the same. He chooses to stay in Chorale because he enjoys the class and the group. “I love performing in concerts, and I really appreciate Brinson’s energy and support, as well as [Shami] Beni’s amazing attitude.” Beyond the technical skills, one of the most valuable aspects of what Mercersburg’s arts program offers is the collaborations and friendships that come from working with classmates towards a shared goal. Whether you love the arts or you’re just trying to fulfil your credit requirement, the bonds formed in the studios, on stage, or in the gallery carry over into other areas of school life and beyond. With the spotlight all on him, which New calls “a bit too much at times,” he hopes more boys will join Chorale. Brinson is hopeful we can make that turnaround in the near future. Previous Next

< Back Let's make it 'Ex'-Block May 5, 2023 at 4:00:00 PM Sophie Koroma '26 Time at Mercersburg Academy is a valuable thing. No matter how hard I try to create a well-balanced schedule, it always feels like I lack the time to do everything that is required of me. Personal time is an even more valuable commodity, and I struggle to find time for myself throughout my busy life on campus. At Mercersburg, we all have hot takes, and mine is that X-Block should be reformed in order to benefit the personal and academic lives of students. To be clear, I do not think that X-Block should be abolished completely. I understand the purpose of it and why it is sometimes necessary. As a freshman, X-Block was helpful for teaching us about school culture, what classes are like, how to get involved, and many other useful topics. However, by the end of the fall term, all of these necessary topics had been covered. In the winter and spring term, X-Block has felt like a huge waste of time. Other than Irving-Marshall prep, course registration, and class elections, I have gained nothing from X-Block. And don’t get me started on Info Lit, where we had to hear about plagiarism for what felt like the thirtieth time in a month. Because of this, I do not feel like X-Block needs to be an every-week occurrence, and that it does not have to take up an entire class period. X-Block should be reserved only for when it is actually necessary. A crucial thing our advisers preach to us freshmen is time management. In my opinion, I don't think it's good management of my time to have a 75-minute block dedicated to hearing about what our class t-shirt will look like or whether or not we want Five Guys, Auntie Anne’s, or Chipotle for our class fundraiser (isn’t that why we elect a class council, and can’t these questions be answered in a Google form?). Topics such as these shouldn’t take up such long periods of time in students’ busy schedules. My time could be used more strategically doing homework, sleeping, or even just taking time to relax before PGA. Previous Next

Simon Brennan '26 < Back Legacy lives on at Penn Relays Simon Brennan '26 May 9, 2025 Mercersburg Academy’s boys and girls track teams competed in the Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field last week on Thursday and Saturday. Both teams sent their 4x400 relay teams to the prestigious event, which attracts about 15,000 participants and thousands of fans annually. The boys team, consisting of Ryan Du Plessis ‘25, Iman Zhakan ‘26, Arnav Rao ‘26, and Gustavo Lisboa Ferreira Santana ‘26, approached the race on Thursday strategically. “We had Ryan lead off because he's the most explosive and could give us a strong start,” Rao said. The strategy proved effective, with Du Plessis finishing his leg in first place. Zhakan echoed the sentiment,“It played out as well as we hoped.” Despite the high level of competition, the team navigated challenges well. “During my leg, I was cut off and hit a few times, which slowed me down, but I still managed to get the baton to my person at the same time as our competition,” Du Plessis explained. “The handoffs were always a challenge because of the amount of people in the heat,” said Zhakan. “Making sure we got the baton properly was a big concern, but I think it went well.” The meet represented a milestone for the anchor Santana ‘26, who is new to track and field. “When I got the baton from Arnav, we were in second place. I tried to hold that position for the first 150 meters; it was tough, but I managed to finish with a good time.” The girls team, featuring Anne Sehon ‘25, Ella Blanco ‘26, Adrienne Howard ‘26, and Teresa Nyarko ‘28, competed on Saturday in front of a packed stadium. Sehon, who has competed at Penn Relays in all four years of her Mercersburg career, noted the special atmosphere. “The entire stadium is filled. When you run, you don't even realize you're running because the stadium is so loud.” The girls focused more on the experience than on specific performance goals. “We didn't really have a strategy, we just wanted to race as fast as we could and have fun,” Blanco ‘26 said. “Most of us did better than we had done all season.” For freshman Nyarko, the scale of the event was breath-taking. “Racing at Penn Relays opened my eyes to the bigger scheme of things. Track and field is such a big sport, and seeing so many other faces preparing to run captivated me.” The event showcased the depth and growth of Mercersburg’s track program. “We have a really deep relay squad,” Sehon explained. “We have a lot of people who’ve been running 400s. This was just our fastest four at the time, and I think that changes almost every single week.” For many athletes, competing at Penn Relays represented fulfilling a goal. “Having the opportunity to compete at Penn Relays means a lot,” Du Plessis said. “It's a legendary meet known nationwide. I think it gives Mercersburg athletes something to work towards." The experience held special significance for Sehon, whose mother also competed at Penn Relays during her high school career. “It's definitely my favorite track meet to run at. My mom ran there for all four years, as well as I, and this was her first year coming to see it. So it was really roundabout and special.” As track season continues, both relay teams will build on their Penn Relays experience as they prepare for upcoming competitions, carrying forward the momentum gained from competing on one of track and field’s biggest stages. Previous Next

Simon Brennan '26 < Back New squash courts in play Simon Brennan '26 Sep 12, 2025 Mercersburg Academy has completed a major renovation of its squash facilities, investing close to $600K in upgrades that administrators say will transform the program's training and match days. The 20-year-old courts were in need of some updates, prompting the school's advancement office to seek donor support for the project. Chief Advancement Officer John Richardson explained: “Once a facility is identified as a priority, we identify the donors, the alumni, the parents, the friends of the school who might be interested in supporting the project." The fundraising effort proved remarkably successful, thanks to the generosity of one family. “They were excited to take this on,” Richardson explained. “For this particular project it was completely covered by their support, and they wanted to make sure our students had the best possible facility.” The upgrades go far beyond design improvements. “The renovations don't change how I coach; they simply elevate practice quality,” coach Dom Benacquista said. “The work eliminated annoying front-wall dead spots and gaps, producing a truer bounce and more consistent rhythm, especially on the courts that were previously most affected." Perhaps the biggest improvement is the installation of new flooring. "The sprung flooring is more supportive on the joints, especially knees, ankles, and hips," Benacquista noted. “Large sections of front walls were completely rebuilt and side walls reset to proper positions, creating improvements across all ten courts.” Students are already anticipating the benefits. Senior captain Sidharth Shah '26, who has received two college offers during his time in the program, sees the renovations as transformative for future players. "The generous gift for the new courts will allow my peers to surpass me in terms of squash success, truly helping them change their lives by giving them a strong foundation college-wise and as a person," Shah said. Fellow captain Dior Mitchell '26 added, "I play smoother on the courts. I hit cleaner shots because the corners are fixed. It will make us wanna practice and boost the team spirit." Mitchell also pointed to how the new facilities lift the squad’s confidence. "When you walk into a space that looks and feels this good, it makes you believe you’re part of something serious. It motivates us to hold ourselves to a higher standard." Coach Benacquista believes the investment positions Mercersburg for elite competition. "The Flanagan is projected to be the strongest in its history, with two top-10 national programs, led by No. 2 Hotchkiss and two additional top-20 teams," he explained. The benefits extend beyond athletics. The facilities serve the broader school community through programs like Squash 57, led by squash coach and math teacher Mike Sweeney, which Richardson describes as "a great community building space." Sunday morning sessions regularly attract 45 to 50 participants from across the school’s adult community. The investment shows a commitment to the program's future. "With that commitment comes responsibility," Benacquista explained. "Our squash program must deliver results that justify the investment and serve the broader community on and off the court." With the winter season on the horizon, the upgraded facilities have positioned Mercersburg's squash program for what many expect will be its strongest showing in years. Previous Next

Anouk Wandeler ’26 < Back Mercersburg plays for Lauren Grady Anouk Wandeler ’26 May 16, 2025 Every spring, the Mercersburg Academy community comes together for one of its most beloved and meaningful traditions – the Lauren Grady Basketball Tournament. This year, 18 teams signed up to play, uniting students, faculty, and families for a night of fun competition and a shared cause: raising awareness and funds for American Childhood Cancer Organization in memory of Lauren Grady, daughter of math teacher David Grady. “It’s often been referred to as a Mercersburg ‘rallying point,’ something the community looks forward to while raising funds for a great cause,” said English teacher Matt Maurer, who co-founded the tournament two decades ago. “Although I appreciate watching good, competitive basketball, I love to see a spirited group of friends or advisees and their adviser form a team, knowing full well they are not going to make the finals. They still give it their all.” The event honors Lauren Grady, the second of five children in the Grady family, who passed away from brain cancer shortly after her second birthday. “The tournament exists to celebrate her beautiful life, raise money for the American Childhood Cancer Foundation, and bring awareness to the cause,” Hope Grady, Lauren’s mom, shared. “I sign up every year,” said Adrian Rios ‘25. “One of the main reasons is the Grady family and giving to them. I’ve had Mr. Grady as a teacher and I love the Grady family very much.” Others echo this connection. “I always play with Mary Grady [Lauren’s sister] and Mr. Canida,” said Kamden Jenkins ’26. “This is the third year I’ve done it.” Beyond just the competition, the tournament’s meaning runs deep. “The Lauren Grady Tournament symbolizes a lot of love,” said Rios. “Not because of the game but because of the Grady family and the people who are willing to go out there and play basketball and have fun.” Alishya Thurmond ’26 added, “It means getting together with friends and having fun as well as coming together as a community to support a good cause and bring awareness.” That sense of purpose fuels the energy on the courts. “It’s the best. It’s one of the most fun events, and it is very competitive every year,” said Rios. Even the chaos of the games brings joy. “Right-hook, bloodthirsty, cut throat,” joked Grant Wilkinson ’26. What students hope others take away from the tournament is simple. “A lot of love for the community,” said Rios. “I hope people take away that you can have fun and still support something,” added Wilkinson. For Mrs. Grady, the highlight is clear: “I always look forward to the sea of colors of Lauren basketball shirts. It’s a true gift to our daughter and our family to see so many students participate.” Although all the teams fought very hard and the level of play was incredibly high, only one could be crowned champion. This year, the honor went to Big DOA, a team made up of Albert Park ’25, Marco Delpiano ’25, William Donovan ’25, and Josiah Wright ‘25. Their teamwork, determination, and competitive drive carried them to victory in a tournament that values not just skills on the court but also unity and compassion. In the end, every shot, cheer, and team effort served a greater purpose – honoring Lauren Grady’s memory and continuing the mission to support families affected by childhood cancer. Previous Next

Mercersburg Academy’s boys varsity squash team has enjoyed an excellent season so far... < Back Boasting about boasting Gabe McGuire '24 Jan 27, 2023 Mercersburg Academy’s boys varsity squash team has enjoyed an excellent season so far, including two key championship victories: the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Squash Open and the Flanagan Tournament. In their current state, the team is predicted to place among the top 16 in the nation. Both coaches and players share the optimism. “This year our team is the strongest it has ever been in school history. This is outstanding of course, but we also have to be intentional about our schedule and the levels of teams that we compete with. Our list of invited teams for this year's Flanagan Invitational included some teams that are normally quite strong, like Hill School, Potomac, and St. Christopher's of Richmond, but this year our ladder has depth like never before. Nearly every player from our fifth position down is a senior, which also gives us an advantage on experience,” said coach Ryan Tyree About the MASO tournament, team captain Francis Betkowski ’23 said. “We knew going into it that the hardest team was going to be Saint Christopher's. We lost last year, but with the addition of Santiago [Medina Carrillo ’24] and Adrian [Guijarro ’25], we were bound to whip everyone. It was nice to see everyone play their best and work on a couple of shots.” Aside from strong experience on the court and phenomenal players, the team achieves such competitive ratings thanks to the expert leadership of the coaches. “Our team has tremendous talent and experience, but that doesn't automatically translate to having an effective team dynamic. The coaches are working to keep our players mindful of the importance of building trust and strengthening bonds that will carry us through when facing the highest competition,” said Danny Adusei-Poku ’23. The coaches do everything they can to facilitate the success of their players. It is common to find Tyree in the squash courts before and after the school day and on weekends, using every available hour to mentor his players. His devotion has certainly paid off. The team waits in anticipation for its next tough match against Episcopal Academy. “They will be one of our most difficult matches to date and they should be a great test of our strength,” said Adusei-Poku. The team will also face Mid-Atlantic Prep League rivals Blair Academy and the Hill School this weekend at home. Then, the team eagerly anticipates proving its mettle at the MAPL championship in early February and then the high school national championship tournament at the Arlen Specter Center in Philadelphia before spring break. Previous Next

< Back Weighing the options January 24, 2025 at 5:00:00 PM Nile Qureshi ‘28 For many years, overweight people have been unfairly judged by society. A commonly held belief is that obesity is “a choice” and that the problem with obese individuals is character weakness: their inability to resist overeating. While this may be true in certain situations, more often, genetics, environmental factors, hormones, medications, education, social status, and lack of exercise all contribute to the development of obesity. We must understand that obesity is a disease that needs to be addressed by an understanding of its causes. Just as we seek medical attention for the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood sugar, or strep throat without any shame, obesity needs to be addressed through major lifestyle changes. These include diet, exercise, and sometimes even medications or surgery. Obesity is clinically defined as a body mass index greater than 30, while a BMI between 25 to 30 is considered overweight. In the United States, obesity has become a pandemic. One in five children in the US is obese as are 40 percent of adults. In my opinion, although obesity is not a choice, seeking treatment for it is. We must fight the pandemic with strategies to counter the factors that cause obesity and the stigmas that prevent people from seeking help. Schools can properly educate students on how to maintain a balanced diet, as that is the first place a child will be mocked for being overweight or obese. Preventing disease early will reduce emotional distress and keep children healthy. Schools should teach proper eating habits each day. In the cafeteria, foods that are high in sugar or ultra-processed need to be replaced with food that is tasty and nutritious. The food industry is a major culprit contributing to obesity. Fast food restaurants load their food with chemicals and sugars and sell them more cheaply than the healthier options, thus jeopardizing the consumers’ health. If you had $5 in your pocket and had to choose between carrots for $3.99 and ramen noodles for $0.50 you would most likely pick the ramen. This example shows how buyers who do not have enough money to worry about nutrition must fill their stomachs with the cheapest options. Fresh foods are expensive and often unavailable in so-called “food-deserts.” Subsidizing healthy foods through government programs and private donations can give people more nutritious options. We can take significant strides towards solving obesity-related problems by removing the taboo of discussing its causes. Educating people about the Mediterranean diet, which consists of fruits, vegetables, and fish, and regular physical exercise can lower incidences of obesity. Previous Next

< Back Learning for life February 2, 2024 at 5:00:00 PM Elise Gao '26 At Mercersburg Academy, students study a wide range of subjects ranging from mathematics to history to Maker’s Lab, where you can design new lockers for day students or benches for spots around campus. While many students, especially as they get older, have a large degree of choice in their course selections, there are, nevertheless, mandatory classes that you have to take to fulfill graduation requirements. This prompts the question: which courses are important enough to be designated mandatory by the Academic Office? I find it interesting that courses such as Home Economics or Financial Literacy, are not only not required but also non-existent. These fundamental courses help prepare students for life beyond school – preparation essential for teenagers, who are on the cusp of adulthood. Financial Literacy educates students about balancing accounts, budgeting, saving, and investing, whereas Home-Ec deals with household finances, food preparation, nutrition, and consumer issues. In a handful of years, we’ll be faced with real-life situations like paying taxes and taking out loans. While it is true that we could ask our parents, it is, frankly, embarrassing not to know anything about how to handle one’s own finances by the age of twenty. While these courses were staples of the American curriculum during the mid-twentieth century, they fell out of favor due to budget reallocation as well as shifting gender norms. Home-Ec, in particular, was marketed to girls, and thus declined in favor as societal norms shifted with the feminist movement. Nevertheless, it’s been surfing a wave of resurgence lately, driven by a desire for self-sufficiency and the desire to not order takeout for the twentieth time in a row while struggling in college. Ramen does get old quickly. Considering that Mercersburg does not face the budget allocation obstacle that many public schools face, the only thing standing in the way of implementing these essential courses is time. However, I have a solution for that. X-block! For ninth-graders, X-block is an important part of adjusting to the school and learning its guidelines. However, that importance wanes as you rise in grade level, and many upperclassmen find the new X-block programming to be quite redundant. Instead of covering similar topics every Wednesday or giving us advisory time, why don’t we implement some life skills that become relevant later on? Instead of barely memorable Wednesday afternoons, Home-Ec and financial literacy would serve us just as well, if not better. Previous Next

Alex Cho '23 < Back An interview with Stacie Lissette Alex Cho '23 On October 20 and 22, the Board of Regents held its first of three annual meetings on campus to conduct their school business. The News interviewed the board’s president, Stacie Lissette ‘85, and raised questions about the broader outlook for the board and the Mercersburg community. Mercersburg News (MN): What are the main goals of the board? Stacie Lissette (SL): Our board’s purpose is the fulfillment of the school’s mission through oversight, partnership, and foresight. We are specifically responsible for the financial success and long-term sustainability of the school. We ensure an effective school leadership team; set, resource, and measure progress toward the strategic vision; and encourage engagement and stewardship of our constituents. The main goals of the board are to hire, evaluate, and retain the Head of School, help set a strategic vision for the school, and ensure the financial sustainability of the school. We work closely with the school leadership team to fulfill this purpose. MN: What are some current projects and plans the board is working on (short term and long term)? SL: In the past couple of years, the board worked with the school leaders to create a strategic design, and we continue to be involved in the work to implement that design. That plan has “Four Bold Moves”: 1. Emphasize meaning and mastery 2. Invest in our educator capacity 3. Serve the whole learner 4. Prioritize financial aid. We have also been working for the past 18 months with an outside consultant and school leadership to create a campus master plan which is a physical framework/blueprint that supports the school’s mission and strategic vision. This plan is currently being reviewed by the full board with the hope of having a document approved at the January board meetings. The campus master plan looks at the physical spaces on campus and determines if there are changes needed to those to support the programs (academic, residential, etc.) of the school. These two processes will help to guide the work that the board and the school will be focusing on for many years. It’s important to note that the campus master plan is a document that will be flexible, and different areas covered within the plan are subject to change based on needs of the school as we move forward. A project we are also working on is a comprehensive look at ways to ensure the financial sustainability of the school. Mercersburg is financially an extremely strong institution, but we always need to be thinking through ways to maintain that strength. MN: What is the main goal of your talk with the school community? SL: We hope to answer questions you may have about what we do and who we are and to help you get to know us better. We have not been able to be on campus as much the past couple of years, and we really want to be able to interact with the people who are most affected by our decisions. We also want you to learn more about us and what we do with respect to the school. We hope that you will also see that there are many ways, such as serving on the board, to give back to Mercersburg long after you have graduated, and I feel certain that some of the current students will be future members of the Mercersburg Academy Board of Regents and Alumni Council. MN: Even when we don’t have meetings, are there ways for students to keep the conversations going? SL: I really do hope so. We are open to ideas of how we can do this and can work with the Student Life Office to figure out some options. That being said, the board is really responsible for the higher level strategic planning, and we always want to be careful that we are not interfering with day-to-day operations which are the responsibility of the school leadership, faculty, and staff. There are many decisions that the board should not be involved with. Previous Next

Anish Shrestha ‘24 and Corbin Kelly ‘24 < Back Person of the Year: Emily Parsons Anish Shrestha ‘24 and Corbin Kelly ‘24 The Mercersburg News Person of the Year recognizes a individual (or a group of people) in the Mercersburg Academy community who has shown outstanding dedication, achievement, and passion for bettering the communities they are a part of. In a departure from years past, the recognition is being given in the first publication of the new year. The 2023 Person of the Year is history teacher, Director of Community Engagement, adviser, graduate student, parent, and inspiration to all … Emily Parsons. Emily Parsons grew up in Mercersburg, where she devoted herself to the community she has been a part of her entire life. In her current role as Director of Community Engagement, she works to create and nurture a deep connection to the local community with organizations like My Neighbor’s Bounty, Peckin’ Thyme Farm, and the Conococheague Institute, as well as many others. Head of School Quentin McDowell said, “ Many will talk about feeling compelled to serve the community they were born out of, but she is one of the rare few who is actually doing something. [Parsons] is an invaluable member of the Mercersburg Academy community. She contributes so wholly to the experience here for her colleagues, the students she serves as well as the larger community outside of the academy. What an altruistic experience.” Parsons took over as the Director of Community Engagement in 2021 and has since worked to completely revamp the school’s program. College counselor Daniel Hulse, who leads the PGA in the Winter Term, said, “She has a keen understanding of the difference between service and engagement and is working tirelessly to bridge the gap between the two.” Kaori Graham-Myrie ’24 has worked with Parsons as a member of community engagement. “She is a diligent leader and is always looking for new opportunities to help the community. She has also been an amazing resource and mentor for me,” he said. Recently, Parsons has bridged the gap between community engagement and education through the year-end Intensive course that she coordinates with the Conococheague Institute: Full on Frontier. Co-leader and fellow history teacher Rich Heffron remarked, “The highlight of Full on Frontier has been the many laughs I've shared with Ms. Parsons as we dressed up in 18th-century dress and tried our best to share our passion for history with a bunch of students. What I love about working with Ms. Parsons is that she cares deeply about her work—and it shows—but she never takes it too seriously.” Matthew Wedd, who directs the Conococheague Institute, said, “What struck me as a partner to the program was the zeal, energy, and communication she put into our relationship to ensure the students had a great experience at the Conococheague Institute. This alone could count as a full-time job in many spheres. [Ms. Parsons] always seems to have an empathetic understanding of the students, and ensures that they push themselves to excel while having a great time.” Along with her many responsibilities as a teacher and leader at Mercersburg Academy, she is a student at Shippensburg University, where she is working towards her second master's degree, this one in counseling. McDowell said, “The fact that she is doing this particular program is a reflection of her desire to continue to grow professionally, to be able to utilize her strengths as a sought-after resource and counselor of others. She optimizes the lifelong educator/learner model as she has dedicated her life to not only educating but to become more educated.” In the classroom, Parsons is adored by her students. American Studies student Tiana Lee ’25 said, “Her class is never boring. She always comes up with creative ways to learn and discuss American history.” Likewise, faculty and staff alike admire Parsons’ value in the Mercersburg community. Heffron said, “It's impossible to overstate her importance to this institution. In sports, there's a term ‘glue guy,’ which is used for a player who isn't the star but who is the one who enables the team to excel. Ms. Parsons is one of those ‘glue’ faculty members at Mercersburg who truly embodies the spirit and mission of this school and lifts up everyone around her, whether that be students, faculty, or staff.” Fellow history teacher and longtime friend Daniel Walker said, “As one of my closest friends for over two decades, I can tell you that she is always looking out for others (both inside the school and out). She truly defines Mercersburg in terms of service to others and striving to give her students the best learning experience!” Outside of school and through all of the work she has undertaken, she has also raised a family. Jay Howley ’21, her eldest son, commented, “She really is a person driven by care. She is utterly selfless and has done so much for the Academy. Everyone has a story where she’s been there for them.” In her time at Mercersburg Academy, Parsons has worn many hats. She has been: the Dorm Dean of Fowle Hall, the founding Director of Springboard, the Steam Camp Program Director, the co-leader of trips to both France and Argentina, along with many other tasks too numerous to mention. She has been recognized with the Ammerman Distinguished Teaching Award and holds the Marilyn and Robert M. Kurtz '52 Chair for American Studies since 2015. Her sons, Jay and Evan Howley, are graduates of the Classes of ’21 and ’22, respectively, and her daughter, Sarah Howley ’26, is a lower-middler. People to contact: HR to get a list of her past roles and positions: Danielle Nordyke Appointed to the Marilyn and Robert M. Kurtz '52 Chair for American Studies in 2015 Recipient of the Ammerman Distinguished Teaching Award First director of Springboard Capstones Co-leader for the ABA Symposium trip to Argentina Co-leader for the French program's trip to Paris STEAM Camp Program Director History Faculty (also taught for Quinn-Ferguson) Dorm Dean in Fowle Hall Community engagement Director https://www.mercersburg.edu/news-article/~board/general-school-news/post/greatfaith-emily-parsons-p-21-22-and-the-community-engagement-team History: Walker Scho Heffron - Intensive Community Engagement: Mr Brinson Mr Hulse (ask for current list of CE) "Being a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, I knew that I wanted to be a part of Community Engagement. The first time I met Ms. Parsons, I could feel her energy and passion. She has a keen understanding of the difference between service and engagement and is working tirelessly to bridge the gap between the two. Watching her work inspires me everyday. Her battery never turns off and she is the first one to get your back or get the back of any student she interacts with. As someone who is considered local, she has been a huge force in building relationships with the outside and ensuring that Mercersburg Academy upholds the values and integrity when we are working with others." CE PGA Winter Term: Kate Kalinowski Sean Flaherty AJ Patel Ivan Dwyer Christine Jiang Brie Wyant Alice Yoo Iseo Yun Jelly Nguyen Iseo Yun (Food pantry intensive) Kaori “I have had the great opportunity and pleasure to work with Ms. Parsons over the past three years through community engagement and in my personal service project. She is a diligent leader and is always looking for new opportunities to help the community. She is had also been a an amazing resource and mentor for me.” Matthew Webb (Connecocheague Institute) “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Emily since August 2021 when she reached out to the Conococheague Institute as part of her new role as Director of Community Engagement. In a short time a thriving partnership had been launched that would have students involved in diverse and rewarding philanthropic activities ranging from cemetery restoration, historic preservation, tree plantings and gardening. What struck me as a partner to the program was the zeal, energy and communication she put into our relationship to ensure the students had a great experience at the Conococheague Institute. It’s only zooming out from CI and seeing the larger scope of Community Engagement that makes you realize that she puts the same effort and time (with considerable emails and logistics) with a multitude of partner sites (Peckin Thyme, Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity etc) which is quite the endeavor. This alone could count as a full time job in many spheres, and the extra effort (making double trips for students, organizing birthdays or making jam with the grapes that students harvest) is incredible. She always seems to have an empathetic understanding of the students, and ensures that they push themselves to excel while having a great time. The result though is a program that greatly benefits local non-profits with their workload, and in turn provides Mercersburg students with rich and rewarding experiences that will help shape their own perceptions of community…and perhaps volunteer, intern or work in the non-profit field as a result! It is also inspiring that Emily undertakes this role in addition to having a family, furthering her academics, being a full time teacher, and leading the 'Can you Live 18th Century' Intensive! I look forward to continuing to work with Emily with Community Engagement. I’d love to see it expanded so more students can enroll. I hear there is quite the queue! In delving through CI’s records, I also have photographs of Emily providing student experiences at CI as far back as 2006, and that she maintains such passion and tirelessness is legendary. An ageless determination to be emulated by all.” Devin Rotz (President of CE counsel) Ms. Parsons has been a compassionate leader for Community Engagement, always working to bring different people together. One feat this year was bringing together Mercersburg’s community Engagement council and James Buchanan’s NHS and student council—something Mercersburg hasn’t done recently. There is something always brewing with her and community engagement, always looking for ways to advance community relations and develop our program and council. Additional Sources: Willis: South Africa Trip Coleman: Puerto Rico McDowell (Masters in Counseling in Shippensburg) Done Craig (Masters in Counseling in Shippensburg) O’Connell? Someone from Baking Club? Her Kids? ( Sarah , Jay) “She really is a person driven by care. She is utterly selfless and has done so much for the academy. Everyone has a story where’s she’s been there for them.” Dorm Dean in Fowle 4 year senior girls? Crystal Yuen Her Students Human Geography American Studies Previous Next