Michelle Zhang < Back Organ Michelle Zhang Oct 13, 2026 2026 of course marks the centennial of the Irvine Memorial Chapel. One of the many improvements made to the Chapel in the runup to the celebration was the renovation of the pipe organ with a complete overhaul of the intricate instrument. Beginning in summer 2025, the renovations took nearly a year to complete, with the entire instrument being absent from Chapel ceremonies and occasions for all of the 2025-2026 school year. The funding for the project came from Nicholas Taubman ’53, former Chair of the Board of Regents and former United States Ambassador to Romania. According to Chief Advancement Officer John Richardson, “Mr. Taubman was in the Chapel for his 70th reunion about three years ago and said to Mr. McDowell that if there was ever a situation where we needed to make repairs to the organ to reach out to him.” Multiple contractors overseen by pipe organ manufacturer Lewis and Hitchcock participated in the redesign and reconstruction of the instrument. “It was about an 8 to 11 month process, so [the work] started about this time last year,” said Richardson. Though the repair began only recently, the need for the work dated back several years when the organ started falling into disrepair. “See, this organ, like the Chapel, is 100 years old,” said school organist and carillonneur Jim Brinson. “I remember one time before Baccalaureate, a whole section of the organ died. We had to do some emergency repairs just to get the organ playing again.” According to Brinson, every pipe was cleaned and returned. “The organ contains about 4,000 pipes, it’s quite a machine, but you just think they took everything out,” Brinson said. “When they tune the organ, they have to go pipe by pipe by pipe and tune it,” he added. Beyond replacing the aging mechanical components within the machine, the reconstruction also restored parts that had fallen silent. Furthermore, a forgotten rank of sixty-one pipes stored in the Chapel basement was incorporated into the instrument. “It used to have a lot of notes that wouldn’t play,” Brinson said. “Now everything plays.” The organ received a new console, keyboards, and pedalboard, but the century-old instrument retains its character, fulfilling Taubman’s wish to leave it as original as possible. The renovation revived a sound that has been entirely absent from Chapel life for the previous school year. While the piano took the organ’s place, Brinson noted that the two instruments have totally different characteristics in so great a space. “The piano doesn’t have the same volume as the organ,” he remarked. “So to lead 600 people singing the Alma Mater, it’s hard with the piano.” While new students from both this and the previous year had not had the pleasure of hearing the organ, returning students eagerly anticipated its return. “The organ was a special part of Chapel meetings in my freshman year, and now I’m a junior,” said Lam Nguyen ’28. “It was painful to see it absent. It truly brings joy to anybody who sits in the Chapel and listens to that wonderful instrument, a work of art.” For Brinson, however, the organ is much more than its volume or complexity or a background for school meetings. It accompanies some of Mercersburg’s richest traditions such as Convocation, the Christmas Candlelight Service, and Baccalaureate. “Every time I play, it’s special,” he said. “Even if it’s just playing the Alma Mater so we can sing, it’s special.” Previous Previous Next Next

Carrie Yang '27 < Back Fowle friends! Carrie Yang '27 May 10, 2024 Students who live in Fowle Hall are no strangers to one of the most rewarding aspects of a boarding experience—dorm pets! These four-legged friends have found their way into the hearts of students, creating a welcoming atmosphere within the dormitory walls. Fowle dorm dean Sarah O’Leary’s German Shepherd is a dorm favorite. “Her name is Juno Marie O’Leary, she is ten years old. I was there when she was born, and she is the puppy of my mom’s dog. We’ve been together ever since,” said O’Leary. “I used to live in Texas. I would get home from work. I would take her and go to the park that I lived across the street from, and we would climb onto the playground, and she would sit there and watch birds, while I did grad school homework.” About the joy of sharing Juno with her dorm residents, O’Leary added, “I think a lot of people love pets and miss their pets at home.” Prefect Elizabeth Orders returned the favor, saying, “ I love it when Ms. O'Leary brings her dog Juno to duty! Having pets around makes the dorm feel like home." Dorm resident Teagan Mewett ’27 shared her thoughts on dorm pets, saying: “I love how I get to see animals because I have pets at home and it reminds me of my dogs.” Conversely, Piper Matthias ’26 said, “I’m actually not a fan of dorm pets because I don’t like dogs, and dogs seem to be a common animal running around. I don’t like it when they let them off the leash, it bothers me. Other than that, they’re sweet. I see some cats sitting in windows and it makes my day.” Just like students, dorm faculty also recognize the benefits pets bring to dorm life. College counselor Rachel Mallory, who is also the assistant dorm dean in Fowle, said, “Fowle dorm pets tend to be a good de-stress moment for students who are going through a hard time. Students go through a lot of stress throughout their four years here. Or from being away from their families for the first time. Pets always tend to be a good way for students and faculties to bond and have a casual conversation. Fowle is a pretty big dorm, and instead of making it like a strict organization, we want to make it more cozy so that students feel like they are at home.” Spanish teacher and dorm resident Christopher McSweeney added, “Sometimes not everybody wants to play with faculty kids, and it might be nice to have a puppy next to you. Pets round out the home feel we should be providing.” He went on to say, “There’s tons of research on how having a dog near you lowers your heart rate, increases blood flow, increases oxytocin , and decreases stress.” Elise Gao ’26 agreed, though she was less scientific about it: “ I really love having dorm pets around. They really bring up the mood and make the dorms feel more homey.” Chris Duffy, outdoor education director and dorm resident, has two cats, Echo and Clementine. They serve a purpose that goes beyond just enriching dorm life. “Echo is really good in emergency situations. During fire drills, he is usually right there making sure people get out of the dorm quickly and no one uses the elevator. Clementine has a big heart: when I get home from duty on Thursday nights, she always asks how the students are doing. She really wants to know if anyone is having a hard time so she can send ‘positive vibes’ their way. Her words, not mine.” Previous Previous Next Next

Amara Okoye < Back Jeremy Thompson Amara Okoye Sep 22, 2026 South African native Jeremy Thompson has returned to Mercersburg Academy after a six-year hiatus. In 2020 Thompson moved to Tampa, Florida. He describes his previous stint here as an “amazing experience,” and his return to Mercersburg as “happy, busy, and exciting.” Thompson enjoys all aspects of biology, and in his words, “Being able to work with teenagers and teach biology at the same time, that’s a win.” His classes are structured but relaxed. Thompson wants his students to enjoy science. Thompson hopes that his students will learn more about themselves as well as biology. “There’s a lot they learn about themselves in their first year at school, and I know that I’m a part of that. They’re going to come away from my class not remembering a whole lot of work, but they’re going to remember a lot of other things. Did they enjoy it? Did they mature in some way? Did I challenge them? Did I allow them to grow in some way as a person?” Thompson enjoys helping others through his knowledge of biology. If he weren’t a teacher, he would be a physician. “My kids always ask me for medical advice. If someone needs something, I’m always the one fixing it.” Outside of class Thompson enjoys working out. He likes biking, running, and swimming. “I do triathlons. I don’t do a lot of races, but I tend to work out everyday.” Thompson also enjoys outdoor education. In the winter he will coach snowboarding. Thompson also coached hiking, biking, and kayaking during his first time at Mercersburg. Thompson's advice for students? “Make the most of every opportunity given to you. Don’t try and specialize. Do as much of everything as you can.” Morissey = Jada Julie Morrissey joins Mercersburg Academy this year as the new Assistant Dean of Students for Inclusion and Belonging. Previously working at a Quaker K–12 day school as a middle school assistant director, Morrissey was seeking a new challenge and a role specifically focused on fostering community. The newly combined position at Mercersburg aligned perfectly with her background in student life and her passion for equity. Her position spans working around student inclusion, supporting affinity groups, overseeing the behavior feedback system, and enforcing school guidelines while helping teachers to feel equipped to help students navigate hard moments. Additionally, Morrissey collaborates closely with student leaders, including the Mosaic mentors and the Civics Board. Morrissey noted, “I’m really excited about working with more students, specifically the Mosaic mentors, and their work in supporting their respective student unions... [and] seeing how I can help them get more events off the ground.” Although this is her first year living and working at a boarding school, Mercersburg is not unfamiliar to her. During her middle school years, Morrissey attended Mercersburg’s summer swim camp for several consecutive years, calling her return to campus a “full-circle moment.” Now living in Fowle with her family, Morrissey has quickly adjusted to campus life, describing her first few weeks as “busy, enlightening, and fun.” Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Morrissey enjoys going on walks, playing air hockey in the student center with her son, and cheering on the Eagles. “Go Birds!” As she settles into her new role, Morrissey emphasizes her commitment to being an approachable resource for everyone on campus. Her primary message to students this year is simple: “Be kind to yourself... we’re all just doing our best.” Above all, she wants the Mercersburg community to know that her door is always open and that she will always listen. Williamson = Aidan Matthew Williamson has always been a musician. A native of Maine, he started out with piano and voice, becoming a soprano in an operetta when he was 10 years old, and continuing through high school, but being unsure what he wanted to do. He decided music was the career he wanted to pursue at Williams College after majoring in English and music, where he also learned the pipe organ and became the head of the Guild of Carilloneurs. After attending the Choral Chameleon Institute in NYC, Williamson earned his masters degree in choral conducting at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University, specializing in piano, organ, and historical performance practices. After he taught the university’s show choir (an ensemble with over 100 members) for a semester, he decided he wanted to incorporate teaching into his career. Searching for jobs, Williamson found a position here at Mercersburg. Outside of music, Williamson loves to cook, hike, and bike. He recently cooked Thai red curry and hopes to go hiking once his workload dies down. He enjoys scenery and “the small things in life.” “I've been in a lot of great educational settings in the middle of nowhere. I feel like I'm sort of coming home with Mercersburg. And I am really grateful to the community for making it feel like home. I feel like this is exactly where I belong.” Klein = Deetya Charlie Klein joins the school as an economics teacher and thirds soccer coach. Klein hails from Baltimore and attended the University of Richmond, where he studied business, finance, and economics. He worked in finance, but decided to step into teaching, starting as a substitute and full-time assistant teacher at Calvert School in Baltimore. He has joined the Penn Fellows Program to earn his master's in education since arriving here. He was motivated by his time working as a summer camp counselor. “I always felt like growing up in elementary and high school, I could always find that disconnect between the students and teachers,” he said. “I always felt like I could bridge the gap well.” His experience at Mercersburg has already been a positive one: “So far, the experience has been great. I’ve had a lot of support from the faculty, especially as I go from teaching third and fourth graders to now high schoolers and AS Econ,” he said. The campus culture has also stood out to Klein: “You can just see it looking at people holding the doors without even thinking twice about it. Everyone’s saying hi when you pass by. It’s something I haven’t seen at other schools.” Klein played soccer through high school. “I think I make practices pretty fun, and a lot of the thirds team is there to have some fun, and that’s exactly what we do,” he said. In class, he favors hands-on practice: “I like to do a 10-minute lesson to start, and then we’re practicing... learning by doing.” For students feeling stressed about school, he offers encouraging advice: “Teachers aren’t out to get you... They want you to do well. Use the resources you have. Ask for help, because the teachers want you to know it. That’s their job.” Previous Previous Next Next

Bauhinia Chen '26 < Back Caked up Bauhinia Chen '26 Apr 25, 2025 On Friday, April 18, the Nailed It! Cupcake Decorating Contest, hosted and judged by Student Activities Committee interns Ava Jones ’25 and Peyton Minor ’26, took place in the Simon Student Center. The event was inspired by Nailed It! , a comedic baking competition series in which amateur bakers vie for $10,000 cash prizes by typically abysmal attempts at replicating complicated cakes. “It was originally Ava’s idea, and we came up with it in our internship,” said Minor. “Honestly, once we got the idea… we just had to make a list of what we needed, so that included sprinkles, icing, food colouring, and construction paper.” “We loved watching Nailed It , and Peyton and I love MCing, so we just thought, ‘Why not?’” said Jones. “And we had a good number of people showing up. We baked the cupcakes and prepared the ingredients for decorating. We were kind of scared that nobody would sign up, so we really had to broadcast that this was going to be a fun thing that the school doesn’t usually do.” The cupcake decorating had a twenty-minute time limit, during which competitors frosted, sprinkled, and sculpted in a frenzy. Each team chose between the themes “Safari” and “Under the Sea.” “Winners were selected for each category based on looks and creativity,” said Jones. Michelle Zhang ’28 teamed up with Riley Choi ’28, Rachel Zhang ’28, and Lina Park ’28. “We got ‘Under the Sea.’ Personally, I [decorated my cupcake with] my idol Tralalero Tralala because he’s under the sea. He has a six-pack—so hot, so cool,” said Zhang. Mary Grady ’25 said, “My teammates were Gianna Anthony ’25, Talaina Jarett ’25, and William Tutt ’25. We wanted to do all the different parts under the sea. Like, we did different animals and wanted to mix it up. We used some construction paper on ours.” Nicole Leung ’26 said, “Bao Han Pham ’25 and Thanasi Akaras ’27 were on my team. We chose ‘Safari.’ Our specific theme was Dora the Explorer . One [of us] did the monkey, one did Dora, and one did a tree. We were so confident in winning because we are so creative. Every single cupcake here was creative, but ours was Dora. It’s different. [We knew] we’re gonna win.” Despite Leung’s optimism, her team ultimately placed second to the winning quad of Maddie Chu ’27, Ellie Yang ’27, Karin Sugiyama ’27, and Carrie Yang ’27 for the theme “Safari.” “We were so excited and so happy because we put a lot of attention to detail into our cupcakes,” said Chu. “Our overall theme was jungle adventure, so we decorated our cupcakes with bananas, grass, and trees. We tried to think outside of the box by using paper and mixing food colouring that was very concentrated, enough so that it was black, to colour the bananas. We also used little round pearls and sprinkles as eyeballs for our monkey.” The winners of the “Under the Sea” category were Keagan Killinger ’28, Emmie Kelley ’28, Zara Kimotho ’28, and Ally Snyder ’28. “I was so happy. It was a surprise because there were so many amazing cupcakes out there,” said Snyder. She cited “the detail on Keagan’s cupcake” as the reason for their victory. “It’s very aesthetic. You can see the ombre of the different colours. Instead of doing all one colour, we really tried to do different shades of colours,” said Killinger. “We took our time,” added Kimotho. “I thought it was very fun. It was really loud, but it seemed like everyone was having a really good time,” said Jones. “Everyone was going hands-on. We were intrigued by the designs.” Previous Previous Next Next

Tailaina Jarrett '25 < Back Trip was lit Tailaina Jarrett '25 Nov 15, 2024 For the past few years, students in the Advanced Studies: Literature and Composition course have been reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. The book explores many themes connected to slavery and racism in American history. As a way for the students to get a deeper understanding of these ideas, students in the class went on a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture on November 6. Frank Betkowski, who helped design the course and chose the book, said: “In my mind, the trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture acts as a culminating experience to Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad . I think that while the novel is truly powerful, the museum helps to put the novel into context as the novel doesn’t just examine the Black experience during slavery.” This trip is a principal experience in gaining a deeper understanding of The Underground Railroad beyond the classroom and the students were grateful to get the chance to see the museum. Most students had never seen the African American Museum, and everyone was looking forward to something different. “I was just expecting a typical museum trip, seeing the exhibits and stuff. I don’t quite know what I was expecting but the trip surprised my expectations,” said Crystal Chiu ’25. There is always something new to learn. Whether it is the different figures in history or seeing all the artifacts throughout the museum, every aspect of the museum is impactful. “I learned about some figures in American history that aren't focused on as much as the big names like Rosa Parks,” said Olivia Glick ‘25. “It’s not that I learned anything new, it’s more of getting to see it. I got to see it laid out, walking through it and experiencing that was a new experience. Experiencing it in a class is one thing, but going out and seeing all the artifacts and videos that come with it was very moving,” said Min Ann Tran ‘25. The museum had several different levels which focused on different elements of African American history and culture, ranging from history on the lower levels to modern art and culture on the fourth floor. “I really liked seeing the maps and how [the nation] progressed with the free states and the slave states and how the states evolved,” said Chiu. Anne Sehon ‘25 added, “I think someone who was really trying to give every single sign and blurb attention, it would take them days to get through that museum.” This trip is not only impactful for the students but the teachers as well, no matter how many times they go. AS Lit teacher Kacie England said, “I can’t imagine teaching The Underground Railroad without having this experience. It’s probably the most powerful, well-done museum that I’ve ever been to.” Previous Previous Next Next

Riley Choi ’28 < Back Coolest spot in town Riley Choi ’28 Sep 26, 2025 The Irwin House Ice Cream Shoppe has officially opened its doors, bringing fun and excitement to town. Located in the space once occupied by One North, the shop has already attracted eager students. Owner Melissa Langford’s goal was simple. “Because ice cream makes people happy, and I wanted to serve the community and serve happiness, honestly,” she said. The shop's bright interior, with tables and chairs painted to look like sprinkles, reflects this mission. “The walls used to be brown and black inside; the bright paint made it look a lot better,” she added. Langford sources her product from The Chocolate Ice Cream Shop, a Wisconsin brand that uses dairy from a single, family farm, Sassy Cow Creamery. “They sent us like 10 pints of ice cream and every flavor was delicious, so that’s just really what I wanted, something that was really, really good on its own,” said Langford. Bruce Zhang '28 was impressed after trying the flavor, “This $&@! Just Got Serious.” Sheily Ramirez ‘28 reported, “The flavor I got was caramel apple pie and raspberry fassetti, the texture and consistency of the ice cream is really nice.” Sophie Oh ‘26 said, “It provides another space for students to go and hang out with their friends who aren't on campus, so it feels a little bit more like you're going somewhere to hang out. Maybe it’ll become the new One North.” Zhang '28 echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “It's a plus, because it tastes good while being convenient since it's close to school and is inexpensive.” Irwin House's offerings change weekly, with new flavors rotating in and out. Langford keeps two of the most popular flavors, “Yippee Skippy” and “Brownie Cascade,” to ensure favorites are always available. “You can taste the actual ingredients. It's not artificially made,” Langford said. Some students noted room for improvement. Ramirez '28 described the decor as “kind of empty” and even “creepy.” She suggested, “If they added more furniture, like some plants, had some music, and added more lights, it would be really nice.” Zhang ‘28 added, “They could definitely market it a bit more because I didn’t even know there was an ice cream shop until somebody told me there was.” Ramirez ‘28 proposed that the shop could become “a dessert shop and not just ice cream,” to add more variety. Despite possible improvements, students remain enthusiastic. “I've already gone five times. I love the ice cream," Oh ‘26 admitted. Previous Previous Next Next

Riley Choi '28 < Back Making History Riley Choi '28 Apr 18, 2025 The National History Day Club, newly established this year under the leadership of Jolie Zhu ’26 and Lisa Wei ’26, has achieved a major milestone: multiple projects from the club have advanced to the state-level competition. The History Department and faculty adviser Allison Stephens supported and guided the club’s students, who are now preparing to compete against some of the strongest history projects in Pennsylvania. “I’m really proud,” said Zhu. “For most of them, it’s their first time competing in the competition. It’s been rewarding to see how their projects developed.” The club’s success includes several standout projects. Susanna Huang ’27 created an individual exhibit on the Barnes Foundation and the legal battle over its relocation. “I’ve always loved art history. Visiting the Barnes Foundation over Thanksgiving inspired me,” said Huang. “Because of that, I think my favourite part of the process was researching my topic since it is something that I’m genuinely interested in.” William Shen ’27 and Preston Zhang ’27 created a website exploring conscientious objectors in war. “It’s a topic that really interested me,” said Shen. “In the fall, I did a project exploring the rejection of warfare by Christian groups in my religion class, and I felt that through this competition I could make a similar endeavour to look into the objection to military service in a broader context.” Zhang added, “I really enjoyed researching the Richmond 16. These men stood up for their beliefs, and their stories weren’t told enough. This project gave me a chance to share them.” Zhu and Wei started the club after having positive experiences competing last year. “We thought it was a really great opportunity to learn about history and share our research,” said Wei. “We wanted to bring that to the Mercersburg community.” A dvancing the club was no small task. “At first, we thought we could organize it like a normal club,” said Zhu. “But it turned out that we needed help with things like chaperoning and transportation, which the school didn’t provide for most clubs. That’s when we contacted Ms. Stephens and the History Department for support.” Wei adds, “We ended up getting sponsored by the history department to cover the hotel, the food, and the entry fees. That’s a really great way for students to be able to join this club without worrying about financial and logistical issues.” As they look ahead to their senior year, Zhu and Wei are already laying the groundwork for the club’s future. “We’re planning to train a junior next year who can take over after we graduate,” Zhu said. “And we’re working on hosting events and bringing in a speaker for a school meeting.” Their mission is to build a legacy. “We’d love to see more students getting engaged, and thinking creatively about the projects they are submitting,” said Stephens. “I think this year many of the topic submissions are related to what is going on in the world, and so it’s nice to be able to make that connection between that and history.” Rich Heffron, a history department member, believes deeply in that vision. “As a history teacher, I love and support any club that increases our students’ interest in history and encourages them to engage with the subject,” he said. “Studying and understanding history is central to a person’s understanding of themselves and their place within the world, and the National History Day Club is helping students understand just that.” For now, the future of the program is in question as federal funding of the program has been cut. The National Council for the Social Studies released a statement, saying, “Canceling this funding sends a damaging message about the value placed on humanities education and the importance of historical understanding in our society. At a time when informed civic engagement is more critical than ever, diminishing support for programs that cultivate historical literacy and critical thinking is a step in the wrong direction.” Previous Previous Next Next

Sophie Han '26 < Back "HANDS OFF" ... everything! Sophie Han '26 Apr 18, 2025 On April 5 several Mercersburg Academy faculty members participated in “Hands Off” rallies held across the country in opposition to the policies and rhetoric of President Donald Trump and businessman Elon Musk. Their decision to attend was driven by a sense of civic responsibility and a desire to live out their democratic values. English teacher Frank Betkowski, who traveled with his wife, learning services director Margaret Maciulla, to the rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., said, “As an educator, I am concerned about the attack on the truth. There’s a sort of misinformation, or perhaps lack of information, appearing on government websites–things as fundamental to our culture as the Smithsonian. As a citizen, I’m concerned about the attack on the Constitution. For me, it’s not a difference between right and left. It’s a difference between right and wrong.” Music teacher Ben Demerath echoed a similar sentiment saying, “I want us to think about the weight of why these protests are so heavy and vital. Because [Trump] was successfully reelected in spite of being twice impeached, disgraced, and convicted — he was still elected, even though he's using a campaign of hate.” Organizers anticipated around 12,500 attendees in Washington, D.C., but the turnout was closer to 125,000. “What was striking to me, however, was the relative lack of brown and black faces in the crowd,” Betkowski said, “I think people of color are frightened at this moment in history, which I think is unfortunate, but I understand why.” Science teachers Will Willis and Betsy Cunningham participated in a local rally in Chambersburg. “I was worried about how people driving by would react to the signs and the people,” Willis said. “But the happy honks, cheers, and thumbs-ups outnumbered the middle fingers and angry yelling by probably ten to one. It was really heartening.” Among the crowd of protesters, history teacher Allison Stephens raised a sign that read, “Save Education, Save Democracy.” Stephens explained, “Our Secretary of Education is working to dismantle the Department of Education as a federal bureau. If that happens, it’s going to create a lot of inequity. I worry for the attacks on educators and curricula—things that, in my opinion, are keeping students from learning what they need to understand our democracy.” Demerath contributed to the rallies in a different way—by writing protest songs. “As a songwriter, when I write about these issues, although I rarely do, I don't hold back. It’s moments like these when you have to write and speak truth through creative platforms and the power of expressional art.” He added, “Mercersburg Academy is a place that embodies that. In our mission, we talk about preparing Mercersburg students to lead and serve. I think what we do as educators and citizens is a great example for our community as well.” “If everyone sits idly by, the irony is that democracy could fail by [citizens] not exercising their democratic rights,” Willis said. “Politicians are supposed to serve the will of their constituents and the American people as a whole, so it's vital to add one's voice. It may seem naive, but individual actions really do matter.” Previous Previous Next Next

Alice Yoo ‘27 and Annie Wu ‘27 < Back A “boulder” new direction Alice Yoo ‘27 and Annie Wu ‘27 Nov 1, 2024 This year, Mercersburg’s Outdoor Education Program has created an opportunity for students to participate in competitive climbing events. Over the Long Fall Weekend, a couple of climbers traveled to Virginia to compete in the USA Climbing Youth Series as part of a series of qualifiers. Climbers must compete in a minimum of four events in order to qualify for regionals. While Mercersburg’s climbers have consistently trained during PGA time like other sports, they have not always had the chance to showcase their abilities in competition. Head instructor Pete Gunkelman said, “We have some students in climbing who actually selected Mercersburg Academy because of our climbing program and they had competed prior to arriving here.” Gunkelman continued, “Usually, we have one or two that are curious about it, but we had seven who are interested in competing as climbers, and so we decided to try to arrange for some transportation.” Students have been training diligently for competitions. Sean Flaherty ‘26 explained, “So for competitions, there are many ways you can train. The main part of it is just climbing; outdoor climbing, indoor climbing, doing pull-ups, hang board workouts–there are so many ways you can train for. But the main way is just climbing.” Assistant instructor Brooks Binau added, “Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday is mostly at the barn, where we're climbing inside and learning different techniques for outdoor climbing, or setting up anchors, or lead belay techniques. It’s more like a classroom-type of instruction and practicing on the wall. And then on Wednesdays, we do an afternoon outdoor trip, and on Saturdays, we do a whole day outdoor trip.” The program has increased its intensity to match climbers’ enthusiasm. Annie Wu ’27 said, “I think compared to last year we definitely went through the contents faster; fall term just feels a little bit faster. We [also] kind of play less ultimate frisbee compared to last year where we spent a lot of Wednesdays [playing] on the football field. We're more into climbing now and football has their practice there, so we can't use that place anymore. But this year we went to outdoor places more and explored some new places, like Reed’s Creek. We also tried more things: many people this year have done their first lead climb, first try to climb, or first lead belaying. People are definitely trying more new stuff.” Maybe because of the changes to the program, the students’ passion for climbing remains unwavering. Wu said, “We had one day to learn how to set routes, and then we also learned a lot of rescue stuff–like hall systems–which is really fun.” Flaherty commented, “Honestly, I just want to have fun with climbing. There's only so much you can do in the barn, and there's not a lot of climbing in Pennsylvania. Otherwise, I would be on the west coast. But I really just started to compete because I love climbing a lot and it didn't really matter where I placed because I just wanted to have fun.” Echoing Flaherty, Alex Eissenstat ‘25 said, “I mostly just want to have fun with it. I know that the routes that they set for the competitions tend to have a lot of fine, really technical moves, and I'm excited to see how far I can get!” For the rest of the season, the program will continue to send Blue Storm climbers to compete in various regional climbing competitions. Previous Next

Maddie Weiss ‘25 < Back Blowing in the new year Maddie Weiss ‘25 Sep 29, 2023 In the fall, two important Jewish holidays are celebrated, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. This year Rosh Hashanah was celebrated from Friday, September 15 to Sunday, September 17. The Book of Life is opened for ten days, called the Days of Awe, beginning with the blowing of the shofar. This time is dedicated to atoning for the past year's sins. These days are often spent at the synagogue with family. Yom Kippur, the day of repentance, happens 10 days later. It is considered the holiest day of the year. The day includes fasting to cleanse the body and attending services at the synagogue to reconcile with God. At the end of the day, the shofar is blown once more, and the Book of Life is closed for another year. Here at Mercersburg Academy, teachers and students alike celebrated. According to Max Friedman ’25, “On Friday, [school chaplain] Reverend [Will] Whitmore generously drove us Jews to the nearest synagogue in Chambersburg, and I was lucky enough to be able to go home Saturday and spend the day with my family." On Sunday evening, September 25 and Monday, September 26 services were held for Yom Kippur, where, after the final blowing of the shofar, Jewish students and faculty enjoyed a feast to break the fast begun at sundown the previous night. Many faith traditions help to form the fabric of the school, and holidays are celebrated as a community where the faithful, as well as those interested in learning and sharing, connect with faith and culture, even during the busy school year. Jewish Club advisor Jessica Doubell noted that, aside from blowing the shofar, her favorite part about the holiday is “spending time with my family for the celebration.” Previous Previous Next Next

Carrie Yang ‘27 < Back SDL(See) the diversity Carrie Yang ‘27 Dec 13, 2024 On December 4, a group of students and faculty from Mercersburg Academy attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and People of Color Conference (POCC) in Denver, Colorado. Jamar Galbreath ‘05 of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion organized and led the trip, accompanied by Yonatan Weldeberuk, first-year teaching fellow in the history department, and Katie Shank, manager of donor relations at Mercersburg Academy. The workshops and activities provided Mercersburg’s participants with a transformative experience focused on diversity, identity, and belonging. Galbreath outlined the conference’s main purpose: “SDLC brings students from independent schools from all over the country, all over the world to come together to talk about issues like identity, social justice, belonging, and inclusion. The goal is to take an awesome group of students out to do some great learning and have a good experience.” Weldeberuk agreed, stating, “This conference is to give the students the best experience possible, to make sure it’s safe, and that they are connecting with people who have the same stories as them, people that might see things differently; where they can learn from each other.” A diverse group of students represented Mercersburg at the conference, including Talaina Jarrett ‘25, Ava Jones ‘25, Jessica Dang ‘26, Ellie Yang ‘27, Jazlyn Garnett ‘27, and Shubhlean Kaur ‘27. Jarrett, who attended the conference for the second time, said, “Last year, I was just absorbing the experience. This year, I wanted to dive deeper and find a greater appreciation for the activities we were learning about.” One of the highlights for Jarrett was an activity that involved designing an ideal school. “We talked about issues of justice and fairness. It made me realize that some issues at Mercersburg are not being handled in the best way, and I want to return and help address them.” The conference’s Black Affinity Space was a standout experience for several Mercersburg attendees. Jones, a leader of the Black Student Union (BSU), said, “Being in such a diverse environment and surrounded by people who have similar experiences to me was really powerful. The Black Affinity Space allowed me to feel truly at home. We shared our experiences of being African American in America, danced, and just connected with each other in a way I can’t do at school.” Jarrett shared the sentiment, saying, “I feel like the BSU community at Mercersburg is inclusive but not the same as being at SDLC. Being a part of a minority sometimes means we have to uphold a certain image, but here there's no judgment. There’s freedom to act the way we want, talk, dance, and sing the way we want.” Similarly, Dang and Kaur were equally moved by the conference and reflected on their connections to identity and inclusion. “I’m a part of the Gender and Sexuality Union (GSU), and the Asian Student Union (ASU) at school, and I wanted to learn more about diversity and how I can bring that knowledge back to Mercersburg,” Dang said. “One of the most meaningful activities was the silent movement, which taught me the power of silence in understanding and reflecting on others’ experiences.” Kaur added, “Mercersburg doesn’t have many South Asian students, so being around that community at SDLC was a really overwhelming but positive experience. I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned back to school and make our community even more inclusive.” Ellie Yang ‘27 emphasized her exploration of the word “sonder” - the realization that everyone has unique depths in their lives. “I think my goal now is to know people at those depths,” she said. SDLC also offered other benefits. Jones said, “I wanted to meet people from all over and I wanted to network because I am a senior and it’s always good to know people in different states and places.” Yang added, “I connected with people from boarding schools all over the country, and now we all feel like family.” Faculty members also found the conference to be valuable. “The POCC experience was eye-opening for me,” Shank said. “It highlighted how students can support each other and how faculty can better mentor them. One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of encouraging students to be their authentic selves, even if that feels uncomfortable at times.” Weldeberuk concluded, “Making changes in the independent school industry is a long road, but there are great people who are working every day to make that change happen. From DEI directors to faculty, heads of schools, students, and financial officers. Everyone is trying to make a change but it takes time. Every little step matters, the little things help amplify bigger steps.” Previous Previous Next Next

The boys and girls indoor track and field team looks promising this year... < Back On the right track Haris Yahaya '24 Dec 9, 2022 The boys and girls indoor track and field team looks promising this year. Though the group is less experienced than in previous years, they have a great team dynamic and will rely upon key players to help them win this year. Sydney Caretti, field events coach, said, “The team is looking for great friendships continuing and developing - the vibe in the Field House is competitive but also supportive.” Head coach David Grady said, “We have a largely inexperienced team this year. Many of the athletes are new to indoor track & field. The attitude of the athletes has been one of willingness to engage in the sport and to try a number of different events. We hope that the athletes will have a great experience and see significant improvement.” Both coaches mentioned the importance of the experienced leaders, such as Anne Sehon ‘25, Hannah King ‘23, and Erika Sowah ‘24. Grady said, “Senior Hannah King is the defending champion in the high jump in both the MAPL and PAISAA. She is the indoor school record holder in that event. Tenth grader Anne Sehon was runner up in the 800m in both the MAPL and PAISAA last year. She is the indoor school record holder in that event.” The Storm has their home opener meet in the Hale Field house on Friday. Previous Next