Fall Journal 2019

PER•SE•VER•ANCE

y r a s r e v i n n A h t 20 m e s!

a G d l o G & d e R f o

FALL 2019

ISSUE

JOURNAL

CONTENTS

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Features:

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Perseverance Grows Scholl Family Orchard What began with a table stand of apples on the side of Center Street has been transformed by the hard work and perseverance of Ben Scholl ‘98 and his family.

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Mowers ’64P Inches Closer to Securing Bethlehem’s Spot on the World Heritage Site List When Charlene Donchez Mowers ‘64P graduated from Moravian Preparatory School, she had no idea her Bethlehem roots would eventually lead to her serving as president of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.

In this issue: 1 | Letter From The Editors 2 | Around Our Campus 7 | Field & Court 12 | Perservance 14 | Vision Update 22 | Our Community 42 | Institutional Advancement 44 | A lumni Updates & Class Notes

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ABOUT THE MORAVIAN ACADEMY JOURNAL

Dear Moravian Academy Community, Only a few months in and the 2019-20 academic year has already proved itself to be a memorable one. In putting together this issue, we realized that twenty represents a significant number for our community at this point in our school’s history. To date, our brilliant Class of 2020 began their senior year, the Red team reigned victorious during the 20th anniversary Red and Gold Games (See page 2-3), and our Parents’ Association announced they are taking us back to the roaring ’20s at our annual Auction in April (see page 11). Looking further to fall 2020, we can’t wait to see our “Reimagining the Schoolhouse” renovation project (see page 19) come to life.

With 20/20 vision, we are moving full speed ahead into Year 2 of our A CULTURE of CURIOSITY roadmap (see pages 14-19).

Because perseverance has been critical to our journey of bringing the vision to life, it was a natural fit to focus this issue around this key mission skill. In today’s world, students need to learn how to evaluate obstacles, consider options, select strategies, marshal resources, and motivate themselves—especially after a setback.

As you’ll read, our alumni, including Ben Scholl ‘98 of Scholl Orchards (see pages 12 -13) and Charlene Mowers ‘64P of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (see pages 20-21), have more than mastered the ability to change and respond to challenges in order to meet ambitious goals, as have many of our current students.

As you flip through this Journal and reflect on the amazing people in our community, we hope you are inspired to set a new goal, try something out of your comfort zone, or head out on a new path.

You never know what you’ll learn along the way!

EDITORS Amey Owen Stephanie Vasta

DESIGN Imagevolution

HEAD OF SCHOOL Jeffrey Zemsky

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Bozik Gonzalo del Real Dylan Deal John Donecker Ann Mindler Jessica McPherson Jennifer Nichols Amey Owen Manny Oudin MacNair Randall Penn State of Lehigh Valley Stephanie Vasta Bob Zaiser Jeff Zemsky

PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Amico Michael Branscom Amey Owen Susan Parent Lindsay Woodruff

ADDRESS CHANGE Office of Institutional Advancement 7 East Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

CORRESPONDENCE

Until next issue, Stephanie Vasta Director of Communications and Marketing

The Moravian Academy Journal is published three times per year. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted with credit to Moravian Academy.

Amey Owen Assistant Director of Communications

Office of Communications 7 East Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 Moravian Academy is a church-related school whose Moravian tradition affirms that young people best realize their potential in an atmosphere of love and understanding. We seek to promote the child’s full development in mind, body, and spirit. Since 1742 the school has encouraged sound innovations to meet contemporary challenges while recognizing the permanence of basic human values.

JOURNAL | FALL 2019

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AROUND OUR CAMPUS

Red & Gold Games Once called All-School Millennium Games Day, the Red and Gold Games were the brainchild of former Headmaster Barnaby Roberts and the Millennium Committee as a way to celebrate the millennium in the fall of 2000. The inaugural games were such a success that they’ve been held each year since, with a name change to represent our school spirit.

Beginning in Grade 1, students are assigned to either the Red or Gold team with family members all assigned to the same team. Wearing red or gold bandanas, students participate in friendly but spirited competitions ranging from sack-hopping to tug-of-war. Seniors are paired up with first-grade buddies, which helps initiate them to the tradition. The day culminates in an all-school picnic held on the lawn of the Merle-Smith campus.

Here’s to 20 More Years of Red & Gold Games Fun!

20 Years of Red & Gold Champions 2000 RED (Millennium Games) 2001 GOLD 2002 RED 2003 RED 2004 RED 2005 GOLD 2006 RED 2007 GOLD 2008 RED 2009 GOLD 2010 GOLD 2011 GOLD 2012 GOLD 2013 RED 2014 GOLD 2015 GOLD 2016 GOLD 2017 GOLD 2018 RED 2019 RED

Photo from Inaugural Ga mes in 2000

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JOURNAL | FALL 2019

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AROUND OUR CAMPUS

Avijit Singh ’20, Neil Deshmukh ’20, and Julius Ewungkem ’20

Three Seniors Among National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists

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Neil Deshmukh ’20, Julius Ewungkem ’20, and Avijit Singh ’20 are among the 16,000 selected nationwide as Semifinalists in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring.

Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screening for applicants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to attain Finalist standing, which will be announced in February 2020. About half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

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YEARS

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YEARS

YEARS

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YEARS

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YEARS

Faculty and Staff Celebrate Milestones

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YEARS

At the close of each school year, faculty and staff gather together to celebrate milestone employment anniversaries. We celebrated all the way up to 45 years of service!

45 Years of Service: Ann Mindler ’70P 40 Years of Service: Patricia Davis 35 Years of Service: Robyn Endress 25 Years of Service: Ingrid Gerber, Jill Beil 20 Years of Service: Leon Galitsky, Wendy Thompson Sheetz ’85 (Not pictured: Karen Berger-Lewis and Linda Himic) 15 Years of Service: Lou Carol Fix, Tom Olson, Anne Fessler 10 Years of Service: Lisa Dubreuil, Marcia Stout (Not pictured: John (Jack) Schreiner) JOURNAL | FALL 2019

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AROUND OUR CAMPUS

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019-20 Trustee Christopher Weiler, Chair Mary Catherine Tachovsky, Vice Chair Brian Loftus, Secretary Lawrence B. Eighmy, Treasurer Amy Ahart Tasha Bolden Cynthia DePillo Barbara Dietterich Joan Duckloe Daniel Eyvazzadeh ’96 Paul Farr Michael Gulati Matthew McQueen ’99 Stuart Paxton Christine Perrucci Joanne Regina Christian Rice Carole Devey Schachter ’76 Karley Biggs Sebia ‘00 Scott Seymour Karen Pearce Sonier ’78 Mary Wilford-Hunt

Honorary Trustees Margaret Baldock Stephen Krawiec Gordon L. Sommers

Associate Trustees (Faculty) Kathryn Bulman, Middle School Kevin Ferdinand, Upper School Marc Yerrington, Lower School

Advisors to the Board Jeffrey Zemsky, Head of School Erica D’Agostino ’91 Dylan Deal John Donecker James Kirtland Ann S. Mindler ‘70P Karen Washington Robert J. Zaiser

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New Members to the Board Amy Ahart Amy Ahart is the Chief Operating Officer for the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC). Prior to joining IBSC, she worked with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) as Senior Director of the Annual Conference. Amy received her Master of Public/Non-Profit Administration degree from New York University and her undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Lafayette College.

Scott Seymour Scott Seymour is the president and founder of Great Scott Financial, a boutique financial services firm specializing in investments, education funding strategies, and estate and retirement planning. A graduate of Moravian College, Scott holds a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry.

Mary Wilford-Hunt Mary Wilford-Hunt has held a number of positions at Lafayette College, including Senior Associate Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations; Director of Facilities Planning and Construction; and faculty for courses in architectural technology and sustainable design. Mary has a master of architecture from Rice University, a B.S. in architecture from the University of Virginia, and studied at the Architectural Association in London.

FIELD & COURT

Golf This season, our varsity golf program secured their sixth consecutive Colonial League Golf title!

The team defeated the rest of their opponents at the Colonial League Championships, played at Bethlehem Township Municipal Golf Course, by a 14-stroke margin.

At the championships, Grace Sanborn ’21 won the individual female golf title, earning a gold medal for the second consecutive year! Tom Smith ’20 and Keeler Nichols ’20 both earned bronze medals.

At the District XI Championship, held at the Steel Club in Hellertown, our team earned a silver medal losing by only three strokes. Evan Eichenlaub ’23 earned a fifth-place finish while Grace earned a silver medal and received an automatic qualification to the East Individual Regional Championship, where she placed fifth.

At the PIAA Individual Championships, held at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York, PA on October 21st and 22nd, Grace earned 15th place.

Way to go, Lions!

Sixt h Colo nial Lea gue Cha mpions Title!

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Dist rict XI AA Cha mpions Girls’ Tennis Our girls’ varsity tennis team earned the title of District XI AA Tennis Champions, defeating Bethlehem Catholic High School by a score of 5-0 in the championship match held on October 11. During the District XI Doubles Tournament, Miranda Gibson ’20 and Deirdre Hoffman ’21 earned a silver medal, losing in the finals in three sets to the doubles team from Central Catholic. (See District XI Singles Tournament results on page 9.) In the PIAA State Team Tournament, the team defeated Wyoming Seminary in the first round by a score of 3-1. The team ultimately fell to Knoch High School in the quarterfinals.

The team finished the regular season with an 11-2 record, posting two impressive victories against Parkland High School by a 4-3 score and then Notre Dame of Green Pond 5-0. The girls competed extremely well in the Colonial League Tennis Tournament, falling to Southern Lehigh by only one point. At the tournament, the team walked away with two gold medals at 1st (Jamilie Atiyeh ’22 and Yan Yu ’23) and 2nd (Sophia Brands ’22 and Grace Wright ’22) doubles and two silver medals at 1st (Isabella Bartolacci ’22) and 3rd singles (Deirdre Hoffman ’21).

Congratulations to the girls and coaches on a great result!

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FIELD & COURT

A A I X t ! c n i o r i t s p D i le s C h a m Si n g Game Match!

In early October, Isabella Bartolacci ‘22 overcame a first set loss to defeat Saucon Valley’s Julie Hernandez and win the District XI Class 2A girls singles final held at Lehigh University.

“I didn’t let one point make me really upset. I had to keep going and keep playing consistent,” said Isabella. “It feels great … Being a sophomore gave me more of an ambition to win.”

Following her District Singles title, Isabella Bartolacci competed in the PIAA Singles Tennis Championships. After defeating her first round opponent from Archbishop Wood, her season ended in the quarter final round in Hershey to Ava Lewis from East Pennsboro.

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Dist rict XI A Cha mpions!

FIELD & COURT

Cross Country The boys’ cross country team made history this season, earning their first District XI title at the District XI Championship meet, held at DeSales University on October 23rd. At the same meet, girls’ cross country member Lily Eyvazzadeh ‘22 placed seventh and qualified for a spot at the PIAA State Cross Country Championships.

At the PIAA State Cross Country Championships meet on November 2 in Hershey, PA, Lily placed 72nd out of 208 runners, while our boys’ team earned 18th place.

Both teams also competed in the Colonial League Championship on October 17th at DeSales University. The boys’ team earned a fifth-place finish in the league while the girls’ team finished in seventh place. The boys’ team finished their regular season with a 12-12 record, while our girls’ team finished with a 11-13 record. Great job, Lions!

Don’t miss our Winter 2020 Issue, which will include highlights from our varsity boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, and field hockey teams!

Go Lions!

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This year at the Auction, we are celebrating the curricular year of 2019-2020....as we go back to the roaring 1920’s! A memorable decade of prosperity. Think jazz bands, raccoon coats, prohibition, flappers, and marathon dancing. For more information, go to www.moravianacademy.org/auction.

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From Farmstand to Restaurant Wholesaler:

Perseverance Grows Scholl Family Orchard

By Amey Owen Since 1948, people have been coming to Scholl Orchards in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, not only for its homegrown fruits and vegetables, but the unmistakable aromas of ripe apples and peaches. What began with a table stand of apples on the side of Center Street has been transformed by the hard work and perseverance of Ben Scholl ’98 and his family. Scholl Orchards now sells peaches, nectarines, pears, apples, plums, sour cherries, honey, cider, flowers, and vegetables at two farm markets, an on-site farm stand, and through bustling wholesale and restaurant accounts.

FEATURE: PERSEVERANCE

“My parents saw the need for fresh fruit and vegetables and were way ahead of their time in terms of the local food movement. The growth for us over the last ten years has been incredible,” said Ben, who runs the day-to-day operation of the farm with his brother Jake. “We keep planting trees because we know there’s a market for them. We have so many customers, we can barely keep up with the demand.”

A successful business owner, Ben fondly reflects back on the foundation that Moravian Academy provided him. “What I learned in four years at Moravian was mind-blowing. I basically got a college education at the high school level,” said Ben. “At Moravian, you were given a lot of freedom to do as you see fit, but I learned quickly that what you put into it, is what you got out of it.”

Ben applies this same learned philosophy to the farm. Ben and Jake work year-round - even in the winter - to assure the farm remains in good standing. “Our work never stops. My brother and I are in the fields constantly. We have a good crew of people working for us, but we don’t sit in a chair and say ‘Go pick this, go pick that,’ we actually go out there and do it. It’s long and arduous, but I love being out in the field.”

Weather can have a big effect on production so the farm has to plan accordingly. “We are always planning ahead. You always

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have to grow more than you need,” said Ben. “If you need 20 acres of peaches for retail, you better grow 30. We had a winter freeze and spring freeze last year. Our peach crop - which you hope will be 100% every year - was at 60% last year. Thus, we had to cut back on the wholesale end. You have to adapt. You have to change.”

The farm, best known for its peaches, added vegetables to its offerings in 2012. “One of the Mennonite farmers, who is a friend of ours, helped us plant our first garden and it was a small one. Today, it’s ten acres with pumpkins, watermelons, tomatoes, and other vegetables,” said Ben. “In a bad year like this one with barely any peaches, it’s nice to have the extra buffer to float you a little bit. It’s not peach money - but it’s money.”

The family’s work involves researching new approaches to use in the fields to improve their crops. Ben and Jake network with others in the industry to share ideas and find out what farming techniques are trending across the country and the world.

The Internet has also proven to be a valuable resource. For example, after reading about a popular technique used on the West Coast, the family recently laid down a reflective plastic lining underneath their apple trees. The lining reflects sunlight up under the tree canopy onto the fruit creating brighter, more marketable apples.

“You can always do things better and you can always make improvements. Other farms are going under because they are standing still. We’re constantly looking for the next best thing and we’re finding out that change is good.”

What’s next for the farm? In a real-life definition of perseverance, Ben says, “We will be changing and adapting even more. If you want to stay in business, it has to happen. If you aren’t willing to change, you are going to get left behind in the dust.”

“We’re constantly looking for the next best thing and we’re finding out that change is good....

If you aren’t willing to change, you are going to get left behind in the dust.”

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Dear Moravian Academy Community, We opened the 2019-20 school year with a lot of excitement around this year’s growth initiatives which support the four focus areas of our strategic vision: A CULTURE of CURIOSITY (Mission Skills, Personal Learning, Collaboration, and Sustaining Connections.) The new projects enhance our strong curriculum in academics, arts, and athletics while giving our students critical advantages in preparing for their futures. Individually, each one is meant to deepen the student experience and to improve how each student is learning how to become the most effective learner. Collectively, we’ve designed the initiatives to help each student take advantage of the signature opportunities available in this special community, one that rewards both excellence and curiosity. I look forward to bringing each of these initiatives to life with you over the next year.

Sincerely,

VISION UPDATE

Jeff Zemsky Head of School

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VISION UPDATE

New Initiatives for 2019-20 Mission Skills: Redesigned Advisory And Homeroom

Looking forward, we understand that students learn best when they feel a sense of belonging at school and the safety and encouragement to invest themselves fully in their learning. The main feature of this growth project will be a new advisory program in Grades 6-12 and a new homeroom program in Grades Primer-5.

These programs combine Developmental Design practices, which are researchinformed techniques for integrating cognitive, social, and emotional learning together. In Lower and Middle School, students will begin each day in circle activities that are specifically designed to prepare students for a productive, engaged, and energy-filled day of learning.

At the Upper School, advisory sessions, which happen once each week, will engage older students in facilitated conversations that explicitly practice community engagement amid personal differences through extended dialogue. Our aim is to help students to feel more connected, empowered, and safer in understanding what motivates them and what may hold them back as learners and individuals.

For students, they will find their homeroom teachers and advisors will engage with them in new ways, which are meant to emphasize their feelings of autonomy, positive relationships, competency, and fun. Students experienced some of these techniques last year in Lower School and in the “Can We Talk?” activities in the Middle and Upper Schools, where advisors acted as facilitators more than formal teachers. This year students will discover that advisory and homeroom are more vital components of their day, one where they will feel both affirmed and encouraged to grow as young people. We believe advisory, which is a pillar of our small school experience where everyone is known personally, will become an even stronger program where mind, body, and spirit come together in truly Moravian ways.

Mission Skills: Action Taken in 2018-19

✓ Actively incorporated and enhanced the use of the mission skills in our curriculum

✓ Determined Developmental Designs (DD) was a great fit in advisory/homeroom and increased engagement in classrooms

✓ Trained 40% of faculty in DD, realized importance of getting to 100%

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VISION UPDATE

Personal Learning: Action Taken in 2018-19

✓ Implemented Fountas and

Pinnell benchmarking and reading groups in grades 1-5

✓ Readers workshop pilot

group recommended implementation in grades 1-5

✓ MS task force delivered

design for independent research program (SCORE) bridging LS and US

✓

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Freshmen English, history, and science departments taught three interdisciplinary curricular units (FIRE)

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Personal Learning: Coordinated Personal Research Curriculum A guiding belief, as we increase personal learning in the curriculum, is that students will not know how to effectively guide their own learning unless they have experiences doing it with the active help of their teachers. With programs at every developmental level, escalating each year, Moravian students will now have experiences over many years to learn how to make good choices for their learning. This is why we are building these distinct research-based experiences into a coordinated personal research curriculum that follows students from early childhood to commencement, allowing students to cultivate their research skills throughout their academic journey. We begin the personal research journey in Grades 1-5 with the Readers Workshop curriculum, then in Grade 7 students undertake the Student-Centered Original Research Experience (SCORE) followed by the Freshman Interdisciplinary Research Experience (FIRE).

The final piece of the personal research journey occurs either in Grade 10, 11 or 12 when a student selects their Comenius Projects. We know that students are more creative, go deeper, and learn more when they work on a project that they have chosen, especially one based on interests and their desire to explore. It is our hope that this overarching curriculum will help inspire students to be better learners and to establish Moravian Academy as a beacon for students who are interested in independent research and knowledge creation.

Collaboration: “Connect to Life” Looking forward, in the vision’s focus area of collaboration, Moravian Academy will center our work on these questions, each of which we think is important and intriguing: how do students turn an emerging interest into a passion?, how can we help students find more time to pursue their curiosity projects or emerging passions?, and how can students stay more connected with the learning when they are outside of class? Our responses to these questions form a new initiative we call “Connect to Life” and they each invite new levels of collaboration between school, students, and families.

We know that students can feel intimidated or cautious in declaring a new passion to the world. It raises expectations, for themselves and others, and introduces a host of questions they may not be able to answer right away. As Moravian Academy students are increasingly asked to engage in this process, we want to connect them with more adults who can help encourage a nascent interest or experiment with what that interest looks like in the real world. Moravian has a long history of helping students who are unsure about themselves find their place in the world. This is why we are connecting current students with former students, and other adults in our community in The Lillie Turman Mentorship Program.

Collaboration: Action Taken in 2018-19

✓ Hired a LS and MS counselor and reformed the SSTs

✓ Created a new office for school psychologist at US

✓ Partnered with leading safety and security expert 911 Consulting

✓ Created long-term institutional partnership with classroom engagement expert DD

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VISION UPDATE

Collaboration: The Lillie Turman Mentorship Program When you ask a Moravian Seminary for Girls alumna from the ‘50s and ‘60s about their memories of the school, you will most likely hear about Headmistress Lillie S. Turman. What made Miss Turman special was her talent for seeing each young lady’s potential and her devotion to mentoring them into strong and independent women. Through her efforts, countless young women’s lives were changed. Her legacy of mentorship is why we are founding The Lillie Turman Mentorship Program to help our students build relationships within the Moravian community that can offer support, advice, friendship, reinforcement, and constructive role-modeling, in the same way Miss Turman mentored her students so many years ago. Students in Grade 7 and 9 will connect with a mentor as part of their assignments in the SCORE and FIRE programs, respectively. For students who choose to complete a Comenius Project, there will now be more faculty help to connect them with experts in their field of interest.

Summer Enrichment Term Grades 7-12 Further advancing our vision of encouraging curiosity by developing their signature interests we are launching a Summer Term in 2020. Students will have the opportunity to take new experiential-learning courses that will not be graded allowing them to delve into deeper learning that is more about discovery than deadlines. There will also be the option to advance in a subject by taking an extra for-credit course that counts towards their graduation requirements.

Moravian Connect

Become a Mentor Through Moravian Connect!

As part of SCORE, FIRE, and Comenius As part of SCORE, FIRE, and Comenius Projects, students will be connecting with a Projects students will be connecting with mentor of their choosing. This could be you! a mentor of their choosing. This could Sign up on Moravian Connect, a networking be you! Sign up on Moravian Connect, a tool only available to the Moravian Academy networking tool only available to the Moravian community, and become a mentor today. community, and become a mentor today. Visit Visit moravianconnect.com.

moravianconnect.com

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Sustaining Connections: Reimagining The Schoolhouse: Renovation Project Looking forward, Moravian Academy is excited to announce the “Reimagining the Schoolhouse” campaign, a new project that asks our community to engage in a collective design project, which combines many of our school’s signature strengths: music, art, and a love of learning. We want your help to envision what a dynamic, future-ready and curiosity-fueled library and music and art wing should look like. This is A Culture Of Curiosity’s most exciting project yet. We’re proud to begin with our youngest learners, in the oldest parts of the school, as we seek to open a renovated library, art, and music wing in the Lower School in the fall of 2020.

The project is one of the ways we are bringing A CULTURE of CURIOSITY to

life. We will begin with an open invitation to all constituents to participate in a brainstorm on what Moravian students, who are the most ambitious and curious learners in the Lehigh Valley, need to turn curiosity and ambition into learning.

What does it look like when we combine inquiry and research with creation and the expression of ideas? We invite you to imagine what a cutting edge and particularly Moravian school looks and feels like, one that keeps people and the learning process at the center. This exciting renovation project will combine all elements of the strategic vision: the mission skills (curiosity, creativity, perseverance, empathy), personal learning, collaboration, and sustaining connections.

Sustaining Connections: Action Taken in 2018-19

✓ 600+ community members joined Moravian Connect

✓ Increased communication (Safe2Say for students, sharing information with parents)

✓ Redesigned emergency preparation plans

✓ Trained all faculty and staff on updated Safety and Security protocols

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Mowers ’64P Inches Closer to Securing Bethlehem’s Spot on the World Heritage Site List

Gemeinhaus building complex (Courtesy of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites)

by Stephanie Vasta When Charlene Donchez Mowers ‘64P graduated from Moravian Preparatory School, she had no idea her Bethlehem roots would eventually lead to her serving as president of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. As an Upper School student, Charlene loved foreign languages and cultures and pursued these passions at Arcadia University, where she earned a B.A. in Spanish, while also studying French and Italian, and at Temple University, where she earned a Masters in Spanish Literature. From there, she went on to spend 13 years teaching high school Spanish and serving as a bilingual interpreter for various companies. It was when she “officially” retired and she and her husband George returned to her hometown of Bethlehem that she began to create her legacy, her gift of restoring and preserving the rich and storied history of Historic Bethlehem.

Charlene remembered her days at Prep fondly and began volunteering at Moravian Academy upon her return to the city.

Quickly seeing her passion and skill for preserving history, the then Chairman of the Board Paul VanReed Miller, Jr. invited her to join the Board of Trustees and to take on the responsibility of creating a school archive. From attics to cellars, every

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piece of art, photography, and memorabilia was carefully cataloged and organized. The process so inspired Charlene that she went on to serve as co-chair of the 250th Anniversary Committee and co-editor of Mind, Body and Spirit: Moravian Academy 1742-1992. Following its publication, Charlene was named a Distinguished Alumna because of her enormous efforts to preserve the School’s rich history. She served several terms on the Board of Trustees including as Board Secretary, Chair of the Education Committee, and Chair of the Archives Committee.

In 2000, she was named president of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, a consortium of Burnside Plantation, Historic Bethlehem Inc., the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem. This allowed her to follow her love of history and oversee the preservation and restoration of the 20 historic sites, five gardens, three ruins, and an orchard located on the roughly 20 acres that make up Historic Bethlehem.

Charlene’s perseverance has not gone unnoticed and, after a decade of effort, the U.S. Department of the Interior named Historic Moravian Bethlehem a National Historic Landmark

Perservance - Mowers

FEATURE: PERSEVERANCE

Charlene receiving the honorary degree at Heritage Day. (Photo courtesy of Moravian College.)

Donchez and earned her first victory in 2016 when Historic Moravian Bethlehem made the U.S. Tentative List to be nominated as a World Heritage site. The United States uses the list to nominate sites for the exclusive World Heritage designation already bestowed upon the likes of Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Yellowstone National Park.

In the fall of this year, Charlene received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Moravian College for her unwavering dedication and commitment to the worldwide recognition of Historic Moravian Bethlehem. This honor rounds out her Moravian trifecta as a Prep alumna, Distinguished Alumna, and Honorary College alumna.

The Waterworks (Photo Credit: Paul S. Bartholomew) District in 2012, one of only eight such districts in Pennsylvania and one of about 200 in the entire United States. But she is not done yet. Realizing that the very city in which she lives is an incredible treasure, Charlene was appointed President of the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission by Mayor Robert

As Charlene looks to the future, she offers these words, “Going to school on the Church Street campus, attending daily chapel, and walking through God’s Acre instilled in me my love for the history of the Moravians and Bethlehem. Join with me in our quest to take the world stage with dedication, anticipation, and excitement as we continue to preserve for generations to come our timeless community of Historic Moravian Bethlehem with its ageless values.”

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OUR COMMUNITY

Senior Helps Convert School Hall into “Smart” Classroom for Students in Rural India After hearing about Arnav Gupta’s ’18 community service project that raised $5,000 in 2016 to build much-needed toilets for a small village in India, Deepak Shankar ’20 was ready to take on a service project of his own.

“Technology makes learning more fun and interesting,” said Deepak. “The hope is that this is a start and that one day there can be more computers and more projectors where they are needed. Technology can be very influential for these underprivileged students in the way they go about life and learning as well as being on par with the rest of the educated world.”

“Everyone should strive to make the world a better place,” said Deepak. “At Moravian, in chapel and class, you hear about community service projects that your peers are working on which is really inspiring. The school has taught me that there are so many ways you can help the world and understand the ideals of philanthropy.”

The most rewarding part of the project for Deepak was seeing the finished product: the new space in use. This summer, Deepak and his family traveled to India for a ceremonial unveiling of the new classroom called Vagdevi, a Sanskrit word for education.

While discussing ideas for his own community service project with a family member, Deepak learned about NNPR Charitable Trust in a small town in Southern India, which focuses on improving the resources for the education of children in government schools in India. Through conversations with NNPR about the education disparity in certain villages in India, Deepak’s developed the idea to convert one of the halls of a rural school in Karnataka into a “smart” classroom.

Although the idea came with a lofty price tag of $4,000, Deepak was ready to take on the challenge headfirst. He created a GoFundMe page and spread the word to family and friends through endless phone calls and emails. After months of fundraising efforts, Deepak surpassed his goal - raising $4,800, which funded a computer, a projector, and chairs to transform a hall into an audiovisual classroom.

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“I could tell by the students’ faces and body language, when they were watching the video on the projector with wide-eyes, smiles, and intense focus, that it was a whole new thing for them,” said Deepak. “It felt so rewarding. All my hard work had paid off. I was truly touched.”

NNPR continues to send Deepak progress reports about the school, including regular video updates of how this audiovisual room is making a difference to teachers and students alike.

With five other classrooms in the school and several other schools in the surrounding area in need of technology, Deepak plans to stay involved and assist in future projects to make technology-based education a reality for more students.

“Giving back is the coolest and most rewarding thing you can do,” concluded Deepak. “If you have a goal in mind, with perseverance and determination, nothing can stop you.”

Volunteering Experience Inspires Mangino Sisters to Give Back Since 1974, the building at 55 East 3rd Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan has served as Maryhouse, a place that offers hospitality to “the homeless, the hungry, and the forsaken.” Run by volunteers of the Catholic Worker, Maryhouse shelters women and children, runs a soup kitchen, distributes clothing, and provides shower facilities, among other services. The organization was co-founded in 1933 by American journalist and social activist Dorothy Day, who is currently under consideration for canonization (or sainthood) by the Catholic Church.

Sisters Lila Mangino ’21 and Sophia Mangino ’22 had the opportunity to volunteer at Maryhouse this past July with their father Michael Mangino, who was motivated to get involved after reading Day’s autobiography The Long Loneliness. During their time there, Lila, Sophia and Michael helped prepare meals, serve food, clean and assist with mailing of The Catholic Worker, a newspaper the organization publishes seven times a year centered around the social justice movement.

Inspired by their time, Lila and Sophia hosted a clothing drive this fall to benefit the women at Maryhouse. Lila and Sophia will be returning to Maryhouse during winter break to deliver the clothing.

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OUR COMMUNITY

Sixth-Grader Donates 75 Books to Support Pediatric Cancer Research Sixth-grader Chloee Dahl ’26 was featured in the following article on Penn State Lehigh Valley’s website for generously donating 75 books to a book drive recently held by Penn State Lehigh Valley to support children with cancer.

Mr. Howard Kulp is always generous in donating $1 for each book we collect, and we are so grateful for this donation from Chloee to our total,” said Mary Williams, THON chair and a 2018 THON dancer. “It is amazing that such a young girl can have the perspective to donate so many of her own books to a cause that is so much bigger than all of us and so very important.”

When Chloee Dahl ’26 was cleaning out her bedroom recently, she learned about a book drive Penn State Lehigh Valley Benefiting THON was holding in support of children with cancer and decided to donate 75 of her books to the cause.

“It was painful to part with some of my favorite books, but it made me feel proud of myself actually,” said Chloee, an 11-yearold sixth-grader from Moravian Academy.

The St. Luke’s Reading Rocks Program is supported by a book drive held by Penn State Lehigh Valley Benefiting THON. Howard Kulp, a longtime donor and past PSU-LV Advisory Board chair, then donates one dollar per book collected to THON in order to support kids fighting cancer and to motivate everyone to collect books for kids who benefit from the Reading Rocks program. Kulp has donated $18,500 total in the last 8 years.

Chloee is an avid reader who often reads before bedtime and sometimes stays up late to finish a good book. “At night, I fall asleep while reading with my light on a lot and it frustrates my dad,” Chloee said with a laugh.

A portion of Chloee’s donation also went toward Penn State Lehigh Valley Benefiting THON’s used book sale, which was held Sept. 21 on campus. The book sale benefits children with cancer.

Donating books from her personal collection taught Chloee about the benefits of philanthropy. “This inspired me and I learned that if I donate, I’ll feel good about myself,” she said. “I have to learn about how to part with my things.”

When asked what Chloee would say to other kids her age who are contemplating donating something of theirs to a cause, she gave great insight. “I would say just donate it! If you aren’t using it, donate it. In the end, you’ll feel really good about yourself!”

Chloee’s donation will go a long way for two Penn State Lehigh Valley Benefiting THON efforts. “The Reading Rocks book drive that we collect for each year is a special program to THON.

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To view the article, visit www.moravianacademy.org/chloee

Junior Uses Dance

to Support Meals on Wheels Neha Skandan ’21 has spent the last decade learning about Indian cultural dance, culminating in a four-hour solo performance this July at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center. Called an Arangetram, Neha’s debut on stage in front of 350 friends and family not only marked a milestone in her dance career - but a way to give back.

“Ever since I started dancing at four years old, I fell in love with the art of Indian classical dance,” said Neha. “It’s fascinating because it encompasses so many different styles - slow dances, fast dances, dances that tell a story - that it has the ability to appeal to a wide variety of people.”

An Arangetram, which translates literally to ‘climbing the stage,’ is a cultural tradition that marks the pathway for a dancer to then perform alone or be able to give training to other dancers. Preparing for her recital took two years of intense practice, including daily rehearsals of intricate routines.

Customarily, guests who attend arangetrams bring gifts as part of the celebration to present to the celebrated dancer. But Neha opted to have the gifts go towards a greater cause. In the months leading up to the recital, Neha visited the headquarters of Meals on Wheels of Greater Lehigh Valley, an organization she learned about through her parents several years ago, and made the decision to donate all the proceeds from her event to the organization.

“The organization has come up with such a creative, organized, and effective solution to deliver meals to those unable to leave their homes, make their own meals, or go to the grocery store,” shared Neha.

“I wanted to make a positive impact and thought my dance recital would be a perfect way to spread awareness and fundraise on the non-profit’s behalf.”

In total, Neha raised close to $1,000 for Meals on Wheels thanks to the generosity of the guests who attended her recital, including many Moravian Academy faculty members. Neha plans to continue to support the organization and encourages anyone interested to learn more about the community organization by visiting their website at https://mowglv.org/.

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Living the “Pura Vida”

Trip to Costa Rica Sparks New Outlook for Sophomore Before this summer, Costa Rica, known for its biodiversity, astounding natural beauty, and pioneering conservation efforts, was only a place on a map for Raya Hodges ‘22. But after participating in a service-learning trip through National Geographic, the country now holds a brand new meaning for the sophomore.

As part of her two-week long trip, Raya traveled to a Costa Rican village in the northwestern province of Guanacaste to work alongside other international student volunteers and community members on a variety of eco-service projects.

Her volunteer work included painting roofs and benches, constructing walking paths, restoring community buildings, planting trees, and teaching basic English to children in the village. In addition to volunteering, Raya had the opportunity to explore the country’s beaches, rivers, mangroves, and tropical forests.

“This trip made me reflect on my life and taught me the importance of being in the moment. In Costa Rica, a common saying is ‘Pura Vida,’ which means ‘pure life,’” said Raya. “The country, as a whole, isn’t concerned about materialistic things or the latest designer clothes or technology, whereas in the U.S., we are constantly worrying about what we want and what we feel like we need to have.”

“Because of the environment at Moravian, where everyone is positive and high energy and focused on community service, it made it easier for me to be outgoing and connect with volunteers from all over the world, including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, London,” said Raya. “I highly recommend this experience to anyone interested.”

To learn more about the student expeditions offered by National Geographic, visit https://www.nationalgeographic. com/student-expeditions/.

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OUR COMMUNITY

From the Classroom to the Old North Church:

SeventhGraders Experience Boston History

By John Donecker The seventh grade traveled to Boston, MA on an inaugural trip for Moravian Academy that spanned three days and two nights. Led

by Grade Dean Mr. Nicholas Lucas, students visited the historic places studied in social studies class and explored science and math through The Museum of Science’s “Mathematica” exhibit.

Favorite highlights included catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park and walking the Freedom Trail.

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“The Upper School retreat was a communal bonding experience that went past the typical academically rigorous life at Moravian.”

- Willem Parent ’20

Building Community at the Upper School Retreat

By Dylan Deal Creating a new tradition, this year the entire Upper School traveled to Camp Canadensis for our Upper School Retreat after Opening Chapel at Central Moravian Church. Students engaged in many activities: low-rope courses, team-building challenges, kayaking, rock climbing, beach volleyball, a waterfall hike, just to name a few. At several points during the retreat, upper class mentors led small freshperson groups in the interest of solidarity. Our school and senior class presidents capped off the day with a riveting game of Advisory Feud – borrowing from the classic game show, Family Feud, but tailored to Moravian Academy. During downtime, students could be seen playing gaga ball, spike ball, badminton, volleyball, and creating art.

A highlight for me was listening to the senior class sing together around the campfire. Amidst the natural darkness and quiet of the woods, the warm glow of fire and fellowship cut through the night to capture the heartening, paradigmatic moment.

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“As a leader of the school it was amazing for me to see so many people get not only involved, but invested in the activities.”

- Ethan Buck ‘20

“It set a great uplifting tone for the school year and I hope we continue to do it in years to come!”

- Meghan Connors ‘20

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OUR COMMUNITY

Creating Connections in the Classroom Ann Mindler ’70P

“Good Morning, Everybody.”

“Good Morning, Jim.” And so, the circle begins. Each member of the class has an opportunity to greet the members of the circle, no one is skipped, resulting in all being welcomed for the day. This is one of the many ways to begin the First Community Circle.

Why a greeting? One of the goals of Community Circle is to acknowledge each person in the room, each and every day creating community within the class. It also allows teachers to get to know each student and forge stronger connections.

But a circle to just say hello? Of course not; following the greeting the circle then participates in a “share”. Only a few months into the school year, the shares are relatively simple: favorite color, favorite food, one thing you do in your spare time. As the year progresses these shares will become more complex allowing our students to create stronger connections with their classmates.

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The share is followed by an activity. While these may seem like games, they are actually well-constructed exercises that encourage cooperation between peers, taking turns, and selfcontrol, all skills that can be applied in the classroom.

The final component of the circle is the daily message; this is important information the children need for the day ahead.

As important as academic content is, meeting the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of our students is equally important. Learning how to cooperate, communicate, listen, and demonstrate self-control are all part of being a successful, contributing member of our classrooms both socially and academically.

Our goal is to ensure each member of our community feels included and valued the moment they walk on campus; a connected community is a vibrant community.

Latinos in the Lehigh Valley

By Profe Gonzalo del Real The fourth-year courses at Moravian Academy underwent a big change this year. Now, instead of the traditional year-long Spanish 4/French 4/ Chinese 4 class, the department offers several semester-long courses that teach the advanced grammar through cultural topics that run the gamut on the expertise and passions of the teachers who offer them.

One of these courses is Latinos in the Lehigh Valley.

In this course, students are introduced to the history and influence of Spanish-speakers in what became the USA, including major events that shaped their identity and experience in our nation. The class, taught completely in Spanish, also focuses on the various Latino communities in the Lehigh Valley and has some of its key figures as guest speakers in the classroom, including: • M YRA PIÑA, the Executive Director of the Fé Foundation, which in conjunction with the Hispanic Chamber of the Lehigh Valley, delivers educational and community development programs to the area’s youth; • R AY LAHOUD, the Chair of Norris McLaughlin’s Immigration Law Practice, who focuses his practice exclusively on the area of immigration law and deportation defense for individuals; • M ARIANELLA OMANA, a Spanish instructor at Cedar Crest College; • M ARCO CALDERÓN, a lifestyle portrait and wedding photographer in the Lehigh Valley; • C ouncilwoman OLGA NEGRÓN, who was elected to the Bethlehem city council in 2016; • G ÉNESIS ORTEGA, the host of PBS39’s Spanishlanguage talk show, Es Tiempo Lehigh Valley; and • P EDRO RIVERA, the Pennsylvania State Secretary of Education.

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The Parent Ambassador Network: Connecting Current and Potential Families

The Parent Ambassador Network (PAN) is a great way to get involved at Moravian Academy. Every day our Admissions Office is meeting potential families and students, taking them on tours, and answering questions about our school. PAN members, comprised of parents and alumni, help the Admissions Office engage with these families, sharing their personal experiences and anecdotes which brings the strong sense of community we have at Moravian Academy into the admissions experience. We would love to tell you more if you are interested!

As a PAN member, you’ll be able to: • Support prospective families by answering questions and sharing your own personal experiences • Connect with prospective families at select PAN hosted events • Host events at your home, social club, or business As PAN member, you’ll receive: • Waived application fees for the families you recommend • $500 for every family you recommend that enrolls • A sense of gratitude from every family you help welcome to Moravian Academy For more information on PAN, contact Jess McPherson, Admissions Associate at jmcpherson@mamail.net or at 610-332-5279.

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INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

2019 Golf Outing: A Hole in One!

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On September 16, approximately 80 parents, alumni, and friends gathered for a fun day of friendly competition at the Moravian Academy Golf Outing. Golfers took in the sunshine at Lehigh Country Club all while supporting Moravian Academy’s local outreach program Lehigh Valley Summerbridge and the Annual Fund. Thanks to all of our sponsors, prize donors, and participants – we couldn’t have done it without your support!

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Maron Travel/ Study Grant Program The Maron Travel/Study Grant Program, an endowed gift from Monica and Norman Maron, provides financial assistance for faculty members to travel and broaden his/her professional work.

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OUR COMMUNITY

Hawaiian Islands

Shape Stories of School Chaplain

by Rev. Jennifer Nichols Thanks to a Maron Grant, I was able to travel this summer to the Hawaii Islands of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii, or “The Big Island.” I chose Hawaii out of a deep interest in story, how the stories of our people shape our understanding of the world, and how those legends and sacred legacies connect us to something greater than ourselves. I learned that Hawaiians are innate storytellers, as their history and myth shape everything from music and dance to cultural celebration and relationship with the land.

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, for example, is a geological marvel, containing two of the most active volcanoes in the world, MARON GRANT RECIPIENT Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Ongoing eruptions continually add to the relatively young (a million years old) island of Hawaii, making it the newest land on earth, teeming with adolescent energy. Hawaiian stories tell of Pele, the goddess of fire and the creator of the Islands. In Hawaiian chant she is known as “the one who shapes the sacred land”. According to legend, Pele currently lives within the main crater of Mt. Kilauea, the “Ark of the Covenant” of ancient Hawaiian lore. She has been relocating for centuries, feuding with her sister, Nāmaka, goddess of the sea. In each new home, Pele makes her fire, forming a new island, until Nāmaka overcomes her strength and chases her to the next. This story beautifully mirrors the scientific history of the Hawaiian islands, a seamount chain formed by hot-spot volcanism. As you travel to the northwest along the Hawaii archipelago, each island is successively older, formed as the Pacific Oceanic Plate moves each by inch in the same direction, passing over a “hot spot” in the earth’s mantle.

The Hawaiian hot spot has been active at least 70 million years, producing a volcanic island chain that extends over 3,750 miles.

There are two kinds of lava in Volcanoes National Park. Aa (pronounced “ah-ah”) is the thick, rough, chunky lava formed when the flow is fast and cooling is rapid. Pahoehoe (pronounced ‘pawhoey-hoey”) forms when lava flows more slowly and resembles chocolate brownie batter as it bakes in an oven. Located within the park, the Pu’uloa Petroglyph Field contains over 23,000 petroglyphs, drawn in cooling lava by human hands around 800 years ago. Holes found near many of these images are thought to be the depositories for the umbilical cords of infants placed there at birth in a child dedication ritual to ensure a long life.

No one knows today why these first settlers came to Hawaii.

Maybe they were fleeing war or famine. Maybe they left seeking adventure and the unknown. We do know that they followed the stars and the migratory pattern of birds, sailing in hand-hulled outrigger canoes across miles and miles of open ocean. And when they landed in Hawaii, they discovered a tropical paradise unlike any place in the world. Now their stories are part of my story, and will forever shape the stories I tell as Moravian Academy’s School Chaplain. I am grateful to the Maron family for this gift.

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OUR COMMUNITY

New Mexico Trip Inspires Poetry, Printmaking Workshop

by MacNair Randall I was fortunate enough to receive the Maron Grant which I used to travel to Taos, New Mexico to work with the ceramic and printmaking artist Abby Salsbury of ButterPieProductions. Abby began her art career as a ceramic artist and potter and has, over years of experimentation and exploration, translated her color and form sense into printmaking. Together we started to design a workshop for students that combines poetry and printmaking as a way of expressing human experiences.

Poetry and the graphic arts are natural bedfellows. With a written art form that rises out of 26 letters and sense experience, a graphic element can support, emphasize, and perhaps help to explain beyond the boundaries and confines of type.

Together Abby and I generated writing and printmaking activities toward a goal of a ‘finished’ piece that incorporates both. It was a collaboration of artistic processes. We set a goal to spend mornings writing and afternoons working in her art studio learning techniques and exploring possibilities.

In the future, we want to construct a three to four day workshop for beginning to advanced poets who want to explore the meaning of their poetry by combining printmaking techniques. The workshop would consist of writing activities, writing workshops, printmaking technique instruction, studio time, critique, revision time, and presentation. Taos Mesa Arts also includes a gallery and exhibition space for a potential goal of showing the students’ visual works with poetry readings to the public. Many thanks to the Maron family for their wonderful support!

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Innovation Fuels Inventions of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneur

by Tracy Bozik Joseph (Joe) Fuisz ’88 believes that the most useful life lesson came from his dad: to get one important thing done each day. He says, “Many times, I am not seeing how a project will advance. Even when you don’t see the ultimate path, you need to keep moving forward each day.”

After graduating from Yale University and Columbia University Law School, Joe began a career in law, but subsequently moved on to medical patents, a field his father Richard had been in for a number of years. Today, Joe is an entrepreneur, developing products in a small business context for licensing or sale to large companies. He is also an inventor on approximately 40 issued patents in various fields. On any given day, one or more of these patents are used by over one million Americans that have a prescription for drug products.

When asked about the importance of embracing set-backs and change, Joe shared one of former Headmaster David Devey’s mantras. “Mr. Devey was fond of saying that it wasn’t a question of whether you would have challenges in life, but rather a question of how you would deal with them. I know as a youngster, I didn’t appreciate the fullness of that idea, but through repetition, the words stuck. When the world knocks you down, focus on the getting up part, and do it with dignity and integrity.”

“I never feel far from my education at Moravian, and I think I learned the most from the teachers that really challenged me. In particular, I recall Mrs. Miriam Pope, who forced me to be disciplined in mathematics. I also remember Mr. Thomas Bross, who taught me to be prepared to listen to an answer you may not want to hear when you ask the question. I often think about him when I ask company insiders for their appraisal on a novel approach to something, and to listen before advocating for the new approach.”

FEATURE: PERSEVERANCE

The founder and owner of Fuisz Pharma LLC, Joe’s work focuses on innovation in the drug delivery sector, or alternate forms of delivering known drug molecules. Examples include a dissolving film to deliver a drug instead of a tablet, or developing an intranasal version of a drug that is currently only injectable. Joe is also the named inventor of the formulation of the drug, Suboxone, a drug used to treat addiction, acute pain, and chronic pain.

things today the same way they did them yesterday. So getting them to try to do things differently is inherently challenging. Developing a meaningful value proposition, and then getting it implemented is an exercise in perseverance.”

“Perseverance is necessary because all innovation is difficult,” said Joe. “Most people and organizations would like to do JOURNAL | FALL 2019

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FEATURE: PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance Helps Naval Aviator Soar Through Life’s Challenges

by Amey Owen

CAPT Andy Bishop ’89 loves to fly. So much so, that he joined the military with a dream of flying for the United States Navy. He knew the goal would require hard work and perseverance, but it was a challenge he was more than ready to take on.

Jump forward 26 years and Andy is at the end of his Navy journey, ready to share the lessons he learned along his storied military career. “One of the proudest days of your life is the day you get your wings, but getting those wings isn’t easy,” said Andy. “As I told my students, any monkey can fly, but how long do you have to teach the monkey? In the Navy, there is a set amount of time to train. It’s a military operation, so you either make it in that amount of time or you wash out.”

“I was a terrible flight student initially,” continued Andy. “I was a natural in the air, but had a hard time with memorizing procedures and putting two and two together. When you’re in the air, it’s like you are juggling 20 balls at once, which is impossible, so you constantly have to reprioritize and decide

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which ball can be dropped without a catastrophe. I had to teach myself how to do that.”

This kind of resilience is exactly why we chose to highlight Andy in this Perseverance issue of the Journal. Defined as the ability to change and respond to challenges in order to meet ambitious goals in our CULTURE OF CURIOSITY, perseverance is a mission skill Andy embodied throughout his profession.

Shared Andy, “The world will conspire against you, in business or any profession - but most certainly in combat, if you don’t have the developed ability when the time comes to reprioritize in changing circumstances. Without perseverance, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

His hands-on mastery of perseverance in flight training and subsequent fleet tour turned out to be an even greater lesson than expected when he was asked to return to flight school as an instructor, one of his favorite career highlights. “I aimed to engineer my students to be better than me and give them a leg-up,” said Andy. “I tried to paint a picture of what skills they’d need to develop in order to get through training. In order to do

“The world will conspire against you, in business or any profession - but most certainly in combat, if you don’t have the developed ability when the time comes to reprioritize in changing circumstances. Without perseverance, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

things you’ve never done before and master the skills you don’t have, you have to adapt and reach out for help.”

Andy credits his quick-learning, prioritization, and critical thinking skills to his time at Moravian Academy, where he enrolled in seventh grade. Recalled Andy, “I was sleeping through my classes in public school, so my parents decided I needed more of a challenge. At Moravian, I was parachuted into a totally different environment. In the end, I learned more about critical thinking at Moravian than I ever did in my four years of university.”

Andy spent the majority of his career in the cockpit, something almost unheard of in the Navy. In the near future, Andy plans to retire and start a new chapter of his life. Looking back on his cherished time in the Navy, Andy reflected, “It was an absolute privilege to serve. As excited as I am to do something different, it’s bittersweet at the same time. If I had to pay someone for all the experiences I’ve had, I’d have to be a multi-billionaire.

There’s nothing that can match it.”

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Moravian Experience Ignites New Perspective on Failure for Alumnus

by Amey Owen “The faster that you fail, the faster you can move on to the next option, and the faster you can find success,” says Matt Moran ’92, the Chief Product Officer for Legends of Learning, a startup game-based learning platform that creates curriculumaligned math and science games for elementary and middle school students. But learning to view failures as an important part of success has been a journey for Matt, one that began when he came to Moravian Academy his junior year.

FEATURE: PERSEVERANCE

“[Coming from public school], I felt that trying my best and failing was one of the most embarrassing things that could happen. It was this rigid-ruled system that just valued checking off grades. Moravian was a great experience for me because I was treated much more as an adult and expected to be responsible for myself. This mindset change propelled and prepared me for a trajectory that, especially coming out of college, involved taking a lot of risks.”

While majoring in poetry at Bard College and moonlighting as the monitor for the new art department’s computer lab, Matt took a chance on learning HTML, Java Script, Adobe PhotoShop, and other software applications. “To me, the Internet was this amazing thing that was happening,” explained Matt. “It wasn’t too much unlike poetry, because with the Internet, you are using a language to communicate in a somewhat abstract way with other human beings.”

Upon graduation, Matt was able to utilize his newfound coding skills as a product manager for a series of start-up companies in the technology space, including DoubleClick - an advertising management solution which was eventually acquired by Google.

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But working in start-ups wasn’t the only thing keeping Matt busy. “When I first got out of college, electronic music was new and was based mostly out of home recording studios,” said Matt, whose interest in underground music dates back to his time playing in bands while attending Moravian. “I started learning how to produce music on the computer and worked a lot with peers to learn what software they were using to produce various sounds.”

When his tech career moved him to New York City, he jumped straight into the electronic music scene meeting notable people like international DJ Lenny Dee, who became his mentor. This mentorship opened doors for Matt allowing him to travel and DJ overseas with other artists, while still pursuing his tech career online. And while his international DJ days are behind him now, Matt is still known to drop a song or two from the comfort of his home in Washington, DC. Reflecting back on both his tech and music career, Matt credits Moravian for helping him realize setbacks often allow people to reach higher objectives. “Moravian helped me become the type of person that says, ‘I don’t need to know exactly what I’m going to do, but if I create options for myself and continue working down a path, things are going to work out.’ You’re taught that you should always be succeeding, but what people don’t talk about is, along the way, there is a lot of failure that goes into success.”

Putting Pen to Paper: Alumna Uses Writing to Overcome Life Challenges

by Tracy Bozik “Writing and perseverance go hand in hand,” said Mary Smull Arguelles ’72, a published author of essays, short stories, and poems. “You have to have confidence in your ideas and your ability, and find your own unique voice. Writing is communicating. You need to use fresh language and find a way to express your words and thoughts like no one else has.

You want to make the reader say, ‘Oh yeah…’”

Mary credits finding her voice with her time spent at Moravian Prep. “I value what Moravian has given me, especially a good education in writing and English. I have a deep appreciation for Mrs. Ziegler, who instilled in me a love of words through the reciting and memorizing poetry, and Mrs. Gonda who taught me how to write a good, solid sentence.”

One of Mary’s favorite pieces is a nonfiction essay entitled “Mending Petals,” which came out of conversations she had with her husband and friends during her battle with breast cancer. “The cancer diagnosis was very traumatic and allconsuming. My usual reaction to process traumatic events is to write about them. Initially, though, I couldn’t look past

the immediate turmoil. But, as I grew to be more at ease with the diagnosis and treatment, I was able to process it all and persevere through the pain to produce some great poems and essays.

“Mending Petals” was published in the Bellevue Literary Review, and was a finalist for Best American Essay of 2014.

Mary has also been featured in Newsweek’s “My Turn” column for her editorial piece “Money for Morality,” and has appeared in the Healing Muse, a journal published by SUNY Medical Center for her poem “Men Carrying Purses.”

To aspiring writers Mary offers this advice, “Have faith in the quality of your own work. Learn how to take criticism and use rejection as a motivator. Rejection slips do not necessarily mean the work was bad; it just might not be suited for that publication’s editorial needs. Perseverance will pay off, and eventually, you will get a published work.”

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A Tra dition of Exce lle n ce.

A Cu lt u re of Cu riosity

Choose Moravian Your Annual Fund gifts maintain 278 years of tradition and support areas of the school most meaningful to you. Choose Moravian by donating online at:

moravianacademy.org/giving

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Technology & Innovation

Athletics

Provide cutting-edge resources and classrooms that inspire our students’ curiosity.

Support our studentathletes, great coaches, and maintainence of equipment and facilities.

Moravian Academy thrives thanks to your generosity.

Student Access Provide tuition assistance for a diverse body of dedicated students with a broad range of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives.

We rely on the support from our many parents - current and past, alumni, trustee, faculty and staff members, grandparents, and friends to fund the programs and initiatives that make our School exceptional.

Every gift matters, every year.

The Arts Create spaces and resources to inspire our students creativity through visual arts, music, and theatre.

Faculty Support exceptional teachers who inspire students to make a quest of questioning.

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Volunteers Needed!

There are many ways to reconnect with your alma mater! If you have some time to give, volunteers are needed in the following areas: CLASS AGENTS Act as a liaison between Moravian Academy and your class, sharing information and soliciting feedback, receiving class notes and updated information, stewarding class fundraising efforts for the Annual Fund and Benigna Cup Challenge REUNION CLASS CHAIRS Help plan and promote attendance at your milestone reunions (in 2020, our focus is on 5’s and 0’s) REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS Communicate with alumni in your region and help plan local events

Alumni Updates College Corner

The College Corner series highlights Moravian Academy graduates currently enrolled in their junior and senior years of college. The articles appear on the Moravian Academy website, and focus on why students chose a particular college, what they like best about their college experience, what classes they are taking, and extracurricular activities in which students are involved, as well as how their experience at Moravian helped them prepare for college.

If you are interested in contributing an article to our College Corner series, please let us know. Also, be sure to visit our website and read up on our young college alumni!

Become a Mentor Moravian has a long history of helping students who are unsure about themselves find their place in the world. This is why we are connecting current students with former students and other adults in our community through The Lillie Turman Mentorship Program (See page 18). Interested in becoming a mentor? Sign up on Moravian Connect (moravianconnect.com) or contact Tracy Bozik, Director of Alumni Relations, at tbozik@mamail.net.

YOUNG ALUMNI NETWORK Provide input on events and activities for our recent graduates (10 years or less) For more information on any of these opportunities, contact Tracy Bozik, Director of Alumni Relations, at 610-332-5282 or tbozik@mamail.net.

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE FOLLOW MA

2019 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES!

Andrew “Drew” Balshi ‘05 (Tennis, Basketball, Golf) Maureen Mahlman ‘96 (Basketball, Softball, Tennis)

Join the “Moravian Academy Alumni Group” on Facebook.

Linkedin - Moravian Academy Alumni Join Moravian Connect (see page 18)

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MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Debbie Bross (Retired Varsity Field Hockey Coach and Faculty Member)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 12 NOON LUNCHEON 2:15 PM CEREMONY Athletic & Wellness Center, Merle-Smith Campus 4313 Green Pond Road Bethlehem, PA 18020

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Moravian Academy

is coming to a location near you!

In the next few months, we’ll be hosting coffees and cocktails, lunches and dinners all around the country. Be on the lookout for an email invitation or feel free to reach out directly to Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement. We hope to see you soon!

November 21 December 5 January 12-15 January 23 February 25-27 May 7

Coast to Coast: New York City Coast to Coast: Philadelphia Coast to Coast: Atlanta, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina Coast to Coast: Lehigh Valley Coast to Coast: Chicago and Midwest SMASH Regional Events

*Please note that these dates are subject to change.

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PHOTOS 1. Bob Zaiser spent time with Dr. Kimberly Combs Vanderlann ’86 at California University of Pennsylvania, where she is an English professor.

2. Bob Zaiser connected with David Devey ’72 in Cleveland, OH. 3. Coast to Coast continued in Pittsburgh, PA with a visit with Julianne Zackey ’07 and friend Justin Micich.

4. Bob Zaiser caught up with Annie Marmaras ’15 and Isha Mohapatra ’19 in Pittsburgh, PA.

6 5. Bob Zaiser spent some time with Elisabeth Crago ’68P. 6. Bob Zaiser wrapped up the Coast to Coast tour at the University of Pittsburgh with siblings Aliyeh Rabbat ’17 and Kareem Rabbat ’16.

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CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES

Class Notes 46

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Little Lions

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WE WELCOME THE FOLLOWING CHILDREN TO OUR MORAVIAN ACADEMY FAMILY 1. David Schindler ’06 with wife Jessica, daughter Cambria Rae and her canine “sister” Coby 2. Gabriella Anne, daughter of Nicholas Tagliavia ’00 and wife Staci.

3. Katherine Clark Godiksen ’05 with husband Brian and daughter Katelynn.

3

Submit your news for the next issue!

We love to help you celebrate your your milestones. Send us a quick note and a picture if you have one and we’ll include your news in the next issue of the Moravian Academy Journal.

Send submissions to: tbozik@mamail.net JOURNAL | FALL 2019

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1966

1993

The Orlando Museum of Art is featuring the Metanoia exhibition of Stephen Althouse ’66P now through December 29, 2019. This is Stephen’s eighteenth museum exhibition in the past five years, with one scheduled at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Delaware after the close of the Orlando show.

Shared Stephen, “As an artist, I feel very fortunate that during my lifetime my work is being shared through these recent exhibitions.” More information on the Metanoia exhibit can be found at www.moravianacademy.org/metanoia.

Kate Stewart ’93 founded “Fab After 40 with Kate Stewart,” a Facebook discussion group for women focused on living their very best lives, which now has more than 400 members. She was also recently featured on a podcast, Fulfilled after 50, speaking on “New Beginnings in this Season of Life.” Kate is launching her coaching business in January to help busy, career women find more balance in their lives.

1968 Barbara Quinton Freeman ’68S reports, “My original roommate Lorrie Miller ’68S organized a mini-50th Reunion in early August. We walked around Snyder House and spent the next two hours reminiscing and telling fun stories.”

1988

1991 This July, Dr. Erica D’Agostino ’91 began her role as our Interim Assistant Head of School. As a Moravian Academy “lifer,” current parent, and past member of the Board of Trustees, Erica brings extensive personal knowledge of Moravian Academy to this position.

Welcome back, Erica!

Koula Sossiadis Kazista ’91, with her sister Katina, wrote and directed Epiphany, a new family-centric drama which will screen at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem on January 12 and the Roxy Theatre in Northampton on January 26.

The film has won several festival awards to date. The sisters are currently working on their second project to be filmed in the Lehigh Valley, another family/ coming of age story with Bethlehem as the backdrop. For information on the screenings, visit https://www.facebook. com/epiphanythemovie/.

Moravian Seminary for Girls alumnae reconnected in August. (L to R) Lynne Caldwell Nemeth ’68S, Barbara Quinton Freeman ’68S, Lorrie Miller ’68S, Melanie Bowman Bendana ’68S, and Sara Frederiksen ’68S.

1994 Lauren Sorrentino ’94, a member of the law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A. and chair of its Pennsylvania Matrimonial & Family Law Practice Group, has been named to the Board of Directors of Community Services for Children, Inc., an organization that aims to prepare children and their families for success with innovative, comprehensive and leading-edge services assisting in learning and in life.

Mike ’95 and Anne Howard’s newest book, Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America.

1988

1995

In July, Laura Billingham Navarro ’88 visited with our Lehigh Valley Summerbridge students to share information about her education and career path to becoming a professional photographer. (See photo 8 on page 50)

Mike Howard ’95 and his wife Anne authored Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America.

Published by Falcon Guides, the book hit the shelves last month. Meet up with Mike on his book tour around the USA: www.HoneyTrek.com/ComfortablyWild.

(See cover above)

Attorney Angelo F. Campano ’88 was voted 2019 Best Attorney in Antelope Valley, a community of about 500,000 people in north Los Angeles County, CA. Angelo works for Campano Law Group, a litigation firm which focuses on employment and personal injury.

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The film Epiphany, co-written and co-directed by Koula Sossiadis Kazista ’91 premieres locally in 2020.

1998

2006

Samuel Cohen ’98, of Gross McGinley LLP, was recognized by 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Helena Manzella ’06 married Daniel Cuconati on October 27, 2018. The couple met shortly after finishing their respective master degree programs at The London School of Economics and Drexel University. Helena is an analyst and Dan is a lead software developer at tech companies in Allentown, PA. (See photo 2 on page 50)

1999 Congratulations to Helene Perrucci ’99 and her associates on the opening of their business, Reset Outdoors, in South Bethlehem. Reset Outdoors “exists to nurture and grow sustainable well-being in the lives of our clients, ourselves, our community, and the environment.” Learn more at www.resetoutdoors.com.

2000 Karley Biggs Sebia ’00 was appointed to the Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District Board of Directors.

The foundation provides opportunities for funding to support innovative and service-learning projects. She is a partner with the law firm of KingSpry, focusing her practice in business and real estate law. Recently, she was also named one of the 2019 Rising Stars by Super Lawyer Magazine and Philadelphia Magazine.

Nicholas Tagliavia ’00 and his wife Staci welcomed their second child on September 23, 2019. Gabriella Anne was 8.9 lbs and 19 inches in length. She joins big sister Guiliana and canine “siblings” Bronx and Bruno.

(See photo 2 on page 47)

2005 Katherine Durham ’05 earned her Ph.D. in School/Clinical Psychology from Columbia University in May 2019.

Previously, she earned a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Masters of Education in School Psychology, and a Masters of Science in Applied Statistics from Teachers College at Columbia University. Dr. Durham has accepted a postdoctoral position at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute where she will be conducting clinical research and providing psychotherapy for children and adolescents. (See photo above)

Katherine Durham ’05 recently earned her Ph.D. in School/Clinical Psychology from Columbia University.

Katherine Clark Godiksen ’05 and her husband Brian welcomed daughter Katelynn Mae on May 24, 2019.

(See photo 3 on page 47) Brian Granger ’05 currently works at The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, a biomedical and genomic research center in Cambridge, MA. In his role, Dr. Granger provides analysis options for all the internal and external collaborators who conduct genomic sequencing through The Broad’s Genomics Platform.

He earned his Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from Boston University in 2015.

Victoria Stitt ’05 married Edward Reinhardt on July 20, 2019, surrounded by family and friends at Lake Bomoseen, Vermont, the state where the couple took their first ski trip together. The couple met in New York City in 2014, were engaged in the winter of 2017, and now reside in Colorado. Several alumni were in attendance, including Patricia Leach Penske ’64S, Victoria Penske Aitchison ’88, Thomas Stitt ’03, Ashley Covington ’05, Clay Reibman ’05, Andrew Stitt ’08, and Charlotte Bloys ’18, along with future alumnae Elizabeth Bloys ’21 and Katherine Bloys ’24.

(See photos 1 and 6 on page 50)

David Schindler ’06 and his wife Jessica welcomed daughter Cambria Rae on July 25, 2019. David works in mergers and acquisitions at Boston Scientific and Jessica is a biomechanist for the US Army. Cambria joins her canine “sister” Coby in their home in Wayland, MA. (See photo 1 on page 47)

2007 Barbara Ballard ’07 and Nick Kochard ’07 were married on June 15, 2019.

Hunter Malick ’07 served as Best Man and Julianne Zackey ’07 as Maid of Honor. Alex Thomas ’07 and Drew Stitt ’08 were also groomsmen. (See photo below and photo 4 on page 50)

Former Upper School faculty member and coach Kevin Ballard prepares to walk daughter Barbara Ballard ’07 down the aisle.

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CLASS CLASS NOTES NOTES

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4

1 5

6

7

8

1 Victoria Stitt ’05 married Edward Reinhardt at a July 2019 ceremony in 2

3 4

Lake Bomoseen, VT.

5 On display during Bethlehem’s Musikfest, the “Greetings from Bethlehem” postcard mural by artist Samantha Redles ’08 caught the eyes of festivalgoers. Pictured here are Samantha Redles ’08, Michael Liiro ’08 and Rachel Large ’08.

A lumni at the wedding of Helena Manzella ’06 and Daniel Cuconati included (L to R) Natessa Amin, Jessica Kim ’06, Andrea Shadick ’06, Helena Manzella Cuconati ’06, Aliza Vaida ’06, Ida Lomibao ’06, John Manzella ’00, and Josh Shulman ’00.

6

L ehigh Valley Summerbridge students learned about animal rescue from Emily Brooks Monsen ’08 and Rachel Large ’08.

7 Nicollette Amico ’14 performed as a dancer in Muhlenberg College’s

The wedding party of Barbara Ballard ’07 and Nick Kochard ’07 included alumni Hunter Malick ’07, Julianne Zackey ’07, Alex Thomas ’07 and Drew Stitt ’08.

8 Professional photographer Laura Billingham Navarro ’88 met with Lehigh

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P arents of alumni Patricia Leach Penske ’64S, Melinda Stitt, Sheryl Maher and Ginger Godley reconnected at the wedding of Victoria Stitt ’05. production of Bohemia.

Valley Summerbridge students.

Laura Heath-Stout ’07 recently completed her Ph.D. in anthropological archaeology at Boston University in June 2019.

Meaghan Ryan ’07 married Matthew Bass on August 24, 2019 in Philadelphia, PA. The wedding was attended by a number of Moravian Academy alumni including Kunal Gupta ’07, Sigourney LaBarre ’07, Carly Dickerson ’07, Aleena Soratihia ’07, Hannah Greenberg ’07, Adelaide Morel ’07, and Ranjan Rohatgi ’07. Meghan graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in May 2019 and started working at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, DC, where she and Matt reside.

(See photo at right)

Michael Fynn ’14 graduated from Elon University in 2018 and currently works for XPO Logistics.

2015 Ethan Ebner ’15 has a new position as Financial Advisor (FADP) at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and will be relocating to Center City Philadelphia in the near future.

Meghan Ryan ’07 married Matthew Bass in an August 2019 ceremony in Philadelphia, PA.

2016

2008 In July, Emily Brooks Monsen ’08, accompanied by Rachel Large ’08, visited with Lehigh Valley Summerbridge to talk about animal rescue and her career at Last Chance Ranch. Students got to interact with a puppy, ferrets and bunnies!

(See photo 3 on page 50) During Musikfest in early August, muralist and sign painter Samantha Redles ’08 created a giant “Greetings from Bethlehem” postcard mural for festgoers to take snapshots of and share with family and friends via social media.

(See photo 5 on page 50)

2009

Ian Gutgold ‘10 joined our Upper School history department as a oneyear replacement for Mrs. Katie Burd ‘96, who is currently on sabbatical. Ian brings with him a love for Moravian, a passion for history, and a studentcentered approach to teaching and learning. Welcome back, Ian!

Adrianna DiMarco ’16, who attends Lafayette College, recently studied abroad in Italy. While in Italy, Adrianna shared, “I have Italian language class Monday through Friday for five hours each day. We also have supplemental instruction on the art, history, music, and economics of Renaissance Florence. This course is summing up everything I have learned in my majors.”

(See photo below)

2011 Sarah Rothman ’11 recently completed her Masters in Ecology at Penn State, and has begun pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland.

In June, Adam Fix ’09 presented a paper from his Ph.D. dissertation at the Scientiae 2019 Conference – Disciplines of Knowing in the Early Modern World.

The conference was held on the campus of Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

2013

2010

Over the summer, Nicollette Amico ’14 performed as a dancer in Muhlenberg College’s production of Bohemia, an all-ages circus show which tells the story of a group of childhood friends, dreaming of a spectacular future: space travel, spotlights, and true love. The show featured dance, humor, magic, and highflying aerial theatrics.

(See photo 7 on page 50)

Frank Amico ’10 received his master’s degree in history from the University of South Florida in May 2019.

Corinne Pillarella ’15 started a new position as New Product Development Engineer at W.L. Gore & Associates, an American multinational manufacturing company specializing in products derived from fluoropolymers.

Daniel Lessig ’13 recently started a new position as Government Affairs Associate at Gmerek Government Relations, Inc.

2014

Adrianna pictured near the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence.

A senior in Environmental Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, Kareem Rabbat ’16 is serving as Chief Innovation Officer with Ecotone Renewables, a start-up dedicated to revolutionizing the agricultural industry by educating communities about sustainable practices of agriculture and developing the technology necessary for scaling these practices. They have developed the “Seahorse”, which reinvents the food waste disposal system, taking food that would otherwise be wasted and turning it into renewable energy electricity and nutrient-rich fertilizer.

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2017

DEATHS

This summer, Lehigh University juniors Iman Braich ’17 and Abbhi Sekar ’17 interned with Lehigh’s Startup Academy. The Startup Academy is a collaboration in Silicon Valley between Lehigh@NasdaqCenter and the College of Business and Economics through which students hone their entrepreneurial skill sets and mindsets through internships with one of several startups in the San Francisco Bay area.

Nancy Klein Abel ‘48S, of Silver Spring, MD, passed away on May 13, 2019.

A junior physics major at Hamilton College, Catherine Ryczek ’17 spent her summer in Germany working with a Hamilton Assistant Professor of Physics and a team of physicists from around the world at the Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin.

During her internship, she collected and analyzed low energy electron diffraction (LEED) date, a process which enabled her and her fellow researchers to learn more about the structure of materials. She also worked to design and assemble a new ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system to allow for the closer study of thin films. In May, she was also named the recipient of the G. Harvey Cameron Memorial Prize at Hamilton’s Class & Charter Day.

Diane Ettl Budd ‘49S, of San Luis Obispo, CA, passed away on December 16, 2018.

University of Rochester junior Haley Schierwagen ’17 was one of the nationwide recipients of a Live Más Scholarship through the Taco Bell Foundation. The foundation invests in dreams of our youth by helping them pursue their educational goals and career aspirations, no matter what their unique passion. As a 2019 recipient, she had the opportunity to participate in a workshop presented by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, Taco Bell Foundation, and LinkedIn.

Dr. Frederick A. Achey, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on September 28, 2019.

He was a former Moravian Academy Trustee.

Mildred “Sparky”Ackerman Bobb ‘41P, of Stanwood, WA, passed away on June 17, 2013.

lliot Hoke ’18 played the title role of Romeo in a E summer production of Romeo & Juliet - A Rock Concert Experience.

Jonathan Riker ’18 appeared as Rod in the Pennsylvania Playhouse production of Avenue Q, the Tony-winning puppet musical that looks at the challenges of life after college.

(See photo below)

John A. Shafer II ‘52P, of Easley, SC, passed away on August 10, 2016.

Martha Schneider Simons ‘69P, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away in December 2017.

A summer production of puppet musical Avenue Q featured Jonathan Riker ’18.

2019

This summer, Elliot Hoke ’18 played the title role of Romeo in Star of the Day Productions’ Romeo & Juliet - A Rock Concert Experience, which combined Shakespeare with rock music throughout the decades in this fresh new take on a timeless classic.

(See photo above)

Emmett Hawkins ’19 received a merit scholarship from Purdue University for his National Merit Finalist status this summer.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Jeremiah “Jerry” Longenbach, of Whitehall, PA, passed away on October 4, 2019. He worked in maintenance at Moravian Academy for 22 years.

June E. Kohr Powers, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on May 26, 2019. She taught French at Moravian Seminary for Girls from 1947 to 1950.

2018

52

Thelma A. Holland, Honorary Alumna, of Allentown, PA, passed away on September 19, 2019. She was a former Moravian Academy Trustee, mother of Lesley Holland Fallon ’82 and grandmother of Michaela Fallon ’12. She was also the aunt of Guy Thompson ’88, Wendy Thompson Sheetz ’85 and great aunt of Madison Sheetz ’14.

Robert J. Spahn, Honorary Alumnus, of Albrightsville, PA, passed away on May 26, 2019. He taught history at the Upper School for 16 years, retiring in 2006.

Arthur D. Thaeler ‘54P, of Middletown, OH, passed away on May 19, 2018. He was the brother of John Thaeler ‘56P and Mary Thaeler Gano ‘55P, and the uncle of Margaret Mowrer Sharpe ’92.

Betty Foehl Tomaselli ‘41S, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on November 16, 2018.

Alumnae Display Athletic Talent on Collegiate Fields Coach Shannon Danaher had the opportunity to watch field hockey college athletes Dana Turner ’16 (St. Joseph’s University; pictured left), Nikki Pearce ’17 (Villanova University; pictured center) and Rebecca Donahue ’19 (Haverford College; pictured right) play at their respective institutions this fall.

Alumni in the News Ted Rosenberger ’84, of Vertivue Air Charters, recently flew an aerial WFMZ-TV cameraman, a photographer and his son Henry, to document the late spring implosion of Martin Tower, the tallest building in the Lehigh Valley and former headquarters of Bethlehem Steel. He donated the flight and the aerial footage to the National Museum of Industrial History. To read the article on WFMZ-TV, visit www.moravianacademy.org/alumnipress.

New Alumni Association Board Member Olga Sklyarova ‘07 Based in Washington, DC, Olga is a financial analyst with eight years of experience in financial planning, analysis, reporting, and budget and spend management for large sized companies and government customers. She recently transitioned into the Corporate Finance (FP&A) division of Fannie Mae from a role in Booz Allen Hamilton’s Strategic Innovation Group, leading financial planning and analysis (FP&A) along with budget management for several product teams and business units. Prior to joining Booz Allen, she worked on a Financial Advisory team in the Wealth Management division of Morgan Stanley.

Following her graduation from Moravian

Academy, she attended The George Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

She says, “My journey at Moravian began in ninth grade, but I truly believe the four years that followed have shaped me into the person I am today, both personally and professionally. The experiences, academics, relationships and values gained and learned at Moravian comprise the foundation supporting the small and large decisions I now have to make as an adult. Staying connected with the school, alumni and current students will always be my goal!”

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Mark Your Calendar Upcoming Events To view a full list of events, visit www.moravianacademy.org/calendar.

November 22 & 23

Upper School Coffeehouse

November 25

Upper School Grandparents’ Day

November 26

Grandparents’ Lovefeast (Lower & Middle School)

November 27-29

Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)

December 7

Athletic Hall of Fame Luncheon & Induction Ceremony

December 12

Middle School & Upper School Vespers

December 13

Lower School Vespers

THEN NOW

Louise Schwab Earle ’21, Frances Greetham Altizer ’21, Susan Walker, and Joan Daugherty pose in costume during the 1921 Moravian Preparatory production of The Flower of Yeddo.

Last year, the Upper School Theatre was transformed back to the roaring ’20’s in Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend.

Join us as we celebrate the Jazz Age with our 1920’s-themed Auction on April 4, 2020. (See page 11)