Issuu

RE•IM•AG•INE

SPRING 2020

ISSUE

JOURNAL

CONTENTS

Features:

The Great Grow Along Lab rats help bring a whole new meaning to the phrase “You are what you eat” for fourth graders in Brad Pomeroy’s Lower School science classes year after year.

Moravian Academy Helps Alumnus Cultivate Forestry Career For the past 40 years, Henry Whittemore ’74 has worked to cultivate and advocate for sustainable forestry practices through his career in large-scale forest management.

ABOUT THE MORAVIAN ACADEMY JOURNAL

Dear Moravian Academy Community, When we launched our strategic vision last year, we talked about preparing students to thrive in the world of the unknown. Over the past month, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our school had to adapt to a world full of uncertainties. In mid-March, thanks in large part to our dedicated faculty members (see back cover), we transitioned to a flourishing virtual school environment in a matter of days, a true testament to the way we teach and learn every day at Moravian. As we put together the final touches of this Journal during our time apart, we felt it important to recognize the qualities that make Moravian Academy what it is: an inclusive community that encourages each person to be an ambitious, curious learner even in the face of obstacles. We chose the theme of ‘Reimagine’ for this issue not only because of all the “reimagining” we have had to do as of late, but because of how members of our community provide new perspectives to reimagine academic subjects, societal challenges, and more to better the world all year round. In the following pages, you can discover how Lower School science teacher Brad Pomeroy uses rats to give a new meaning to the phrase “you are what you eat” (see page 19), how computational thinking is helping students look at historical data in a whole new way (see page 21), and how invasive lanternflies were transformed into artwork this fall (see page 2). We invite you to learn more about how our alumni, including this year’s Distinguished Alumni and conservationist Henry Whittemore ’74P (see page 26), are making a difference, and how our students, like our sixth-grade scientists (see page 22) and our FIRE students (see page 24), are exploring their curiosities through independent research.

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

EDITORS

Amey Owen Stephanie Vasta

DESIGN

Imagevolution

HEAD OF SCHOOL Jeffrey Zemsky

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Bozik Bud Brennan Dr. Brian Crowe Meghan Dadio ’24 Audrey Dai ’21 Stephanie Falzone Ingrid Gerber Jagger Hornik ’20 Michele LeHeup Michelle Leyesa Amanda Jackson Jessica McPherson Dr. Catherine Moore Amey Owen Susan Parent Emily Quinn ’04 Laura Riker Stephanie Vasta Bob Zaiser

PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Amico Michael Branscom Marco Calderon Amey Owen Susan Parent Lindsay Woodruff

ADDRESS CHANGE

We hope this Journal provides you a way of feeling more connected to our community during what can feel like an isolating time (see page 18), and that the content inspires you to reimagine something in your own life. Happy reading! Until next issue, Stephanie Vasta Director of Communications and Marketing

Amey Owen Assistant Director of Communications

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

CORRESPONDENCE

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 | WINTER 2020

AROUND OUR CAMPUS

Students Contribute to Spotted Lanternfly Zones of Syncopation Art Project With the help of many students, Upper School biology teacher Dr. Gaby Dee completed the Moravian Academy section of the Spotted Lanternfly Zones of Syncopation art project last November. Organized through Penn State Lehigh Valley, the project was the brainchild of artist ElsabĂŠ Johnson Dixon who aimed to create environmentally proactive art about the infestation of the invasive spotted lanternfly. Collection and harvesting of the wings in quarantine zones was a community

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

endeavor that involved several local organizations and three area schools, including Moravian Academy. Wingpinning activities occurred both on and off the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus, allowing smaller parts to be assembled from the inside out, like how a mandala is constructed. The unveiling of all the assembled segments occurred in December and the art will continue to be on display on the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus throughout 2020.

Ski Club:

MEGAN DADIO ’24 Over five Fridays after the winter break, students at Moravian Academy who participate in the annual ski club go up to Camelback in Tannersville for five uninterrupted hours of skiing or snowboarding. I always look forward to the end of each week when I can take a break from school and go skiing with my friends, whether it was one of the good weeks at school or one of the bad weeks. I have participated in ski club every Friday it was offered since 6th grade. In it, I have also learned something that is probably useful to know how to do: ski. I took lessons my first year every Friday, and even though my friends didn’t, it was still convenient to meet up with them for dinner in the lodge afterward. Although I enjoy skiing and hanging out in the lodge with my friends, my favorite part about ski club is definitely getting to talk with my friends on the lifts up the mountain. It’s a great time to catch up about school, sports, or basically anything while surrounded by nature with an amazing view behind us. Ski club has also somehow made me a more courageous person overall. In the beginning, I only went on the easiest greens and never went on rollercoasters because of a small fear of heights. Now, I still go down greens to practice tricks (like laying down while skiing!) but I am more open to going down blues and maybe even blacks or terrain parks, and I can actually go on roller coasters at Moravian’s annual trip to Hershey Park after the Adjudication in May! All in all, ski club is always an entertaining and exciting way to end a week of school, and I find it to be one of my favorite things to do at Moravian Academy during the winter.

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

AROUND OUR CAMPUS

Rhea Malhotra ’20 & Neil Deshmukh ’20 Named Top Scholars Rhea Malhotra ’20 and Neil Deshmukh ’20 were named top 300 scholars in the 79th Regeneron Science Talent Search—the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. Rhea submitted a project entitled “Developing a Novel Drug Development Model: Optical Coherence Tomography for Cardiovascular Diseases & Diabetes In Vivo. “ Neil submitted a project entitled “An Adaptive, Low-Cost Device for Automated Offline Medical Analysis Utilizing Interpretable Neural Networks with Reinforcement Learning Optimization.” Rhea and Neil will each receive $2,000, and Moravian Academy will also receive $4,000 to use toward STEM-related activities. The Regeneron Science Talent Search, founded and produced by the Society for Science & the Public, recognizes and empowers promising young scientists in the United States who are creating the ideas and solutions that will address our world’s most urgent challenges. This year, nearly 2,000 students from 659 high schools across 49 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and eight countries entered the competition. Scholars, including Rhea and Neil, were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists. “These young students will be the key to unlocking solutions to many of our world’s most pressing challenges,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science & the Public, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alumna.

“These young students will be the key to unlocking solutions to many of our world’s most pressing challenges.” –Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science 4

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

The Holiday Season at Moravian Academy Students Give Back Over the Holidays

During the holiday season, Moravian Academy students have always looked for ways to give back to the community. This year, the Middle School filled 196 Holiday Hope Chests â€”a recordbreaking number - filled with ageappropriate stocking stuffers to give to homeless and disadvantaged middle school-age youth in the Lehigh Valley. Our fifth graders collected 90 coats and 144 other winter items to give to Pinebrook Family Answers in Allentown and our second graders collected 1,243 books for the South Bethlehem chapter of Cops -N- Kids.

Santa Claus Came to Town!

As part of the senior buddies program, each December our first graders head to the Upper School to perform their Vespers songs and then decorate cookies with their buddies. This yearâ€™s tradition was made extra special with an appearance by Santa himself!

AROUND OUR CAMPUS

Celebrating the Season

December is also a time for our musicians to shine through the Middle School Holiday Bell Tour and our Vespers services. We are so proud of all our performers and it was wonderful to see our community come together in two beautiful services.

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Yoga This school year, Upper School English teacher and certified yoga teacher Amanda Jackson offered a AROUND OUR CAMPUS

yoga class for students and faculty after school in the Athletic and Wellness Center.

“In our weekly yoga class, I tried to create space for calm, meditative introspection combined with playfulness and laughter. It is my sincere belief that the ability to find a balance between the two ideals is a mong the most valuable skills we can give our children.” – Amanda Jackson

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

AROUND OUR CAMPUS

Experience the Wonders of our Year-Round Primer Program by Stephanie Falzone

Stella is smiling from ear to ear as she lines up with her classmates. It is time to head to the Lower School gym for their physical education class. She is looking forward to slithering “like a snake” and flapping her arms like a “bird of prey.” Being able to take part in the Moravian Academy specials program that includes physical education, foreign language, music, and library, is just one of the many advantages our Primer students experience. The program for three-year old children is currently in its sixth year and thriving under lead teacher Brooke Bauer.

“We’re pleased with the experience that we have had in the Primer progra m and with the overall fa mily feel of the Moravian Academy community. The Primer teachers have created a supportive learning environment rich with hands on activities that has set our children up for success in their future classrooms.” –Jasmine & Michael Kozero, parents of Lily ’30 and Sam ’34

Daily, our Primer students engage in robust, stimulating, and individualized activities. Cognitive, social and emotional, language, and physical development are nurtured through individualized and group activities. Families can choose to enroll their child for three, four or five days with an option of full or half days. Our flexible scheduling allows families to choose the right fit for their little one. Primer students follow the Lower School day with doors opening at 8:00 am and dismissing at 3:00 pm. Extended care is also available in the morning beginning at 7:30 am and in the afternoon until 6:00 pm. We are now pleased to also offer a summer extension of the Primer program at our Merle-Smith campus through our Summer at Moravian Academy Day Camp. Feel confident knowing your child will continue to thrive in our Moravian community and still experience the joys of summer through the amenities of the Upper School campus. Fun and engaging theme based weeks involve the children in arts and crafts, games, special interactive experiences and more. Families have the option to have camp work around their schedule with the ability to enroll for half or full days, one to five days of the week. (See page 38 or visit www. moravianacademy.org/summer to learn more.) Interested in discovering more about our Primer program? Contact our Admissions office at admissions@mamail.net or call (610) 332-5200 to schedule a personal tour or receive more information. JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Lions Bring Home Awards at DECA State Competition by Michele LeHeup In February, 33 Upper School students traveled to the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA to compete in the 69th Annual DECA Career Development Conference. The conference boasted 2,357 participants and 61 competitive events this year! Students spent two days dressed in their best business attire, taking exams, participating in business-themed role-plays, and showing powerful presentations in a vast array of topics. On the third day, prizes were awarded to the top six place winners in each category which ranged from Accounting to Hospitality & Tourism.

Moravian Academy is proud to announce the following winners:

AROUND OUR CAMPUS

Ilyas Kose ’22 and Divik Verma ’22 - 2nd Place - Start-up Business Plan Neil Deshmukh ’20 - 2nd Place - Business Growth Plan Michael Alchaer ’23, Roshen Gandotra ’23, and Jack Perrucci ’23 - 5th Place - Sales Project Okezue Bell ’23 and Wisdom Ufondu ’23 - 6th Place - Independent Business Plan Vincent Menichelli ’22 and Samit Mohapatra ’22 - 6th Place - Financial Services Team Decision Making

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

AROUND OUR CAMPUS

Moravian Academy Ranked Among America’s Best STEM High Schools Moravian Academy is among the top 500 science, engineering, and math high schools in the United States, according to a ranking released by Newsweek and STEM.org. Ranked 261st nationwide with a STEM score of 92.84, Moravian Academy was one of only 12 schools in the Philadelphia area that made the list. Newsweek and STEM.org determined the rankings by utilizing regression analysis to evaluate which primary and secondary institutions in America best offer students quality experience in

“...America’s future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is in good hands.”

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while also preparing them for post-school life. “We found schools in every region of the country that offer skilled teachers who keep up with developments in these fields and who create dynamic learning environments to engage their students,” the report’s researchers said. “With high-profile institutions in big urban areas and small but strong programs across the nation, America’s future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is in good hands.”

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

FIELD & COURT

Colo nial Lea gue Cha mpions! Boys’ Soccer Team Wins Championship Trifecta by Jagger Hornik ’20 The Lions finished the regular season as the number one team in the Colonial League with an 11-1 record. The team earned a first-round bye as the number one seed, won both the semifinals and final game, and ultimately earned a Colonial League championship title for the first time since 2014. The boys then dominated in the district tournament and were named champions of District 11 Class 1A for the seventh year in a row. Giving up only two goals in their PIAA state tournament title run, the Lions were crowned 1A Class PIAA State Champions. The team’s 24 wins, including 14 in league competition, established a school record and earned Moravian Academy team of the year honors from The Morning Call. Senior forward Austin Recinos ’20 secured a spot on the first All-State team for the second year in a row. Coach Bob Hartman was named Coach of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Soccer Coaches Association. Go Lions!

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

District XI 1A Cha mpion s

PIAA State Cha mpion s JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

FIELD & COURT

Dist rict XI IA Cha mpions! Girls’ Soccer Team Scores Standout Season by Jagger Hornik ’20 This season, our girls’ varsity soccer team earned their second straight consecutive District 11 Class 1A Championship title. Finishing the regular season with a 14-3 overall record, the team earned third place overall in the Colonial League and made it to the league semifinals. The team ended their spectacular season in a first-round state tournament loss against Fairfield with a score of 2-1. Defender Gabrielle Oudin ’20 secured a spot on the first All-State team in her final season for the Lions. At the Lehigh Valley Soccer Scholar Athlete dinner in January, Gabrielle was selected as the winner of the award and received a $1,000 scholarship from the Lehigh Valley Soccer Scholar Athlete foundation.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Field Hockey Team Earns Silver By Jagger Hornik ’20 This season, our field hockey team earned a silver medal in the Colonial League tournament, posting two impressive results over League foes Northern Lehigh (6-0) and Palisades (6-2). The Lions defeated Lehighton in the District XI Semifinals by a 3-0 score, but fell in overtime to Northwestern in the finals to again earn the silver medal. The team concluded their successful season in the first round of the PIAA State tournament, ultimately falling to undefeated District 1 champion New Hope Solebury. In September, nine members of the team attended the Angel 34 Olympics, a fundraiser for childhood cancer patients and families in the Lehigh Valley (see photo on left). Stated Coach Wendy Sheetz ’87, “We won the third-place trophy, but it was the fun team bonding for a great cause that was the real prize of the day!” In November, Darby de Castro ’20 also participated in Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley’s 3rd Annual Bike-A-Thon as a selected “Power Hour Athlete,” helping to raise funds for the Girls on the Run Scholarship Fund.

Don’t miss our Summer 2020 Issue, which will include highlights from our basketball and swimming teams. Go Lions! JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Five Senior Athletes Sign Division I FIELD & COURT

By Jagger Hornik ’20

In November, Moravian Academy hosted a signing day ceremony to recognize our senior student athletes committing to Division I collegiate programs. The ceremony marked the first time in program history that the school had five athletes participate in the fall signing ceremony. A variety of sports and schools were represented. The students recognized included:

Maya Ettle ’20 - Basketball - University of Richmond Tom Fegley ’20 - Lacrosse - Providence College Tyler Joseph ’20 - Baseball - Army West Point Gabrielle Oudin ’20 - Soccer - La Salle University Cassie Romanczuk* - Field Hockey - Temple University (*Notre Dame HS Student)

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Jagger Hornik ’20: Student Reporter for D11Sports.com by Amey Owen In August, Jagger Hornik ’20 signed on to become a reporter for D11Sports.com, a website launched in 2018 dedicated to providing sports coverage of District XI high schools. “When [athletic director] Mr. Oudin sent an email seeking student reporters, I knew I wanted to get involved because I follow high school athletics closely and have always had an interest in reading sports articles,” said Jagger. Throughout the fall sports season, Jagger covered several highlights, including basketball athlete Maya Ettle ’20’s 1,000th point milestone, our boys’ soccer team’s Colonial League win (see page 10), and our senior athletes’ Division I signing ceremony (see page 14). Jagger’s favorite part of the role? “When the boys’ soccer team won the Colonial League title after a walk-off goal, I was able to be on the field interviewing players and getting up close pictures of the players and their medals. It was such a neat experience.” Thanks in part to his experience gained as a journalist for D11Sports.com and his overall passion for sports, Jagger is exploring the possibility of a future career as a sports commentator. For anyone even remotely interested in becoming a D11Sports.com student journalist, Jagger encourages involvement. “You get the opportunity to be on the sidelines or courtside at games. There is always someone else from another school covering a game so you get to meet new friends, and the people who run the program are really great to work with.” Read Jagger’s D11Sports.com coverage by visiting www.moravianacademy.org/jagger. Interested in becoming a student journalist for D11Sports.com like Jagger? Contact Athletic Director Manny Oudin at moudin@mamail.net. JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Reimagining the Schoolhouse: RENOVATING THE LOWER SCHOOL ART, MUSIC, AND LIBRARY SPACES

because it helps learning become more relevant for students. And, it takes a special school environment to immerse young people in this learning process and bring it alive.

Research shows that when students are able to see how facts and ideas connect with one another across subjects, they construct meaning and when they’re able to communicate that meaning through a variety of disciplines like art, music, or writing, they’re learning is further reinforced. The practice of integrating curriculum across disciplines is so effective

Through the “Reimagining the Schoolhouse” campaign, we are renovating the second floor of the CE Building to provide a new space for the Lower School art, music, and library programs that will enhance the student experience through more integrated learning.

REIMAGINE

Each year, our second-grade students study Japanese culture in a theme-based unit of study. In language arts, they read the Japanese story, Peach Boy, and then take the story to the stage complete with Japanese accompaniment of Orff instruments played by several non-cast members of the class. In art, students create Setsubun masks, cherry blossom paintings, and carp kites while in science they learn about tsunamis and the weather patterns around Mount Fuji. They showcase their learning in an exhibition that involves oral presentations, physical demonstrations, art galleries, and music performances. They spend many hours transferring instruments and materials between rooms and setting up temporary exhibitions just for the showcase night.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Creating a highly collaborative curriculum is very challenging in small, highly structured spaces. In order to help us create a more integrated curriculum, we need spaces that allow learning to flow from one subject to the next, we need to imagine spaces that aren’t just dedicated to math or science or music. We need larger, more creative spaces that allow students to dive deeper into their learning by creating understanding, showcasing their new knowledge, and connecting ideas across disciplines and with other learners.

REIMAGINE

Shakespeare Reimagined

In October, seventh graders in Mr. Bud Brennan’s English classes presented Macbeth by ’popping-up’ in flash mob-style in classrooms, offices, and cafeterias at both the Lower and Middle School. The assignment challenged students to put a modern spin on one of the scenes in the play. Our actors faced their fears of performing live, collaborated beautifully with one another, and expressed themselves creatively and passionately.

TO VIEW MORE PICTURES, VISIT www.moravianacademy.org/macbeth JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Loneliness in

REIMAGINE

Relationships A New Perspective on Loneliness & Solitude by Dr. Catherine Moore

Last semester, eighteen courageous Upper School students embarked on an investigation of Loneliness and Solitude in American Literature and Society. The class read memoirs, studies, essays, and stories about how humans are all affected by loneliness. Students guided our English kindergarten students in a creative drama activity that had us connecting with them in a meaningful way. We visited Northampton County Prison to consider loneliness in isolation and incarceration. We listened to mental health experts about the differences between depression and chronic loneliness, we practiced meditation every week, and we journeyed to Jacobsburg Park at the beginning of January with Reset Outdoors to experience the kind of Solitude that only nature can provide. For their final projects, the class investigated topics of their choice. There were movies, podcasts, zines, and presentations that all centered around the students’ interests. For example, Meghan Connors ‘20 made a zine which focused on “Loneliness in Relationships.” For anyone feeling lonely, I invite you to read her zine online and consider her advice she has for those who are feeling lonely right now:

TO READ MEGHAN’S FINAL PROJECT, VISIT www.moravaianacademy.org/loneliness

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

“I would love to tell everyone to get outside. Whether that’s to go for a walk, read a book, or just sit and be in the fresh air is sometimes what we need but don’t realize we need it. Setting aside 5-10 minutes a day can boost your overall being in a better mood by so much. So go for a walk with your dog or lay in the grass, whatever you find is the best way to push you to go outside.”

The Great Grow Along by Amey Owen

Lab rats help bring a whole new meaning to the phrase “You are what you eat” for fourth-graders in Brad Pomeroy’s science classes year after year. As part of the Great Grow Along project, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research, Moravian Academy’s fourth graders test the effects of nutrition on the growth of two genetically-related Sprague-Dawley rats. The project kicks-off with a naming party where students vote for their favorites. This year’s rats were crowned Snowball and Sugar. Housed in separate cages, Snowball was fed a primarily milk diet, while Sugar was fed a sugar water diet. (See pictured diagram) Both rats also receive grain, vegetables, and meat. Each week, students observed and recorded the rats’ behavior and measured their physical size, which led to classroom discussions not only about nutrition, but also to math lessons about measurement and graphing. By the end of the fourweek project, the class was able to see a clear positive correlation between growth and a more balanced diet. “As engineer Destin Sandlin says, ’Knowledge is not the same as understanding,’” said Pomeroy. “Definitions and words don’t mean a lot to a child unless they see it firsthand. This experiment is highly visual and helps bring home the message about the importance of good eating habits.” At the conclusion of the experiment, Sugar and Snowball were adopted, as they are every year (with parent permission, of course) by a lucky member of the fourth-grade class.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GREAT GROW ALONG EXPERIMENT, VISIT www.psbr.org. JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Microeconomics Podcasts In Christopher Eckman’s microeconomics elective, seniors investigated a current issue or topic that related in some way to concepts studied in the course. Inspired by National Public Radio’s “Planet Money”, the students presented their findings in a podcast.

Here is a sneak peak of the students’ work... 1. “The Power of the Popular Vote” by Rhea Malhotra ’20, Logan Maniscalco ’20, & Quinn O’Connor ’20 This podcast analyzes the economic theme of “the wisdom of the crowd” and its relation to the accuracy of the popular vote. The students interview Dr. Mallory SoRelle and Dr. John Kincaid of Lafayette College. 2. “Not in My Backyard” by Jack Blobe ’20, Ethan Buck ’20, & William Werner ’20 This podcast discusses the positive and negative externalities of landfills by examining the impact of the Bethlehem Landfill in Steel City.

3. “Priceless Packaging” by Kathrine Yeaw ’20, Grace Moser ’20, & Meghan Connors ’20 This podcast discusses how the packaging of a product can affect consumer behavior. With interviews from product managers from Crayola and American Can, they gain an insiders look on the world of marketing. 4. “Will Robots Take My Job?” by Dhruv Krishna ’20, Tom Griffith ’20, & Neil Deshmukh ’20 This podcast covers a variety of topics, through the discussion of different markets, governments, and technologies. It delves into a background of past technological revolutions, the technology behind AI, and how one can effectively prepare for the changing marketplace in the 21st century.

TO LISTEN TO THESE PODCASTS AND MORE PRODUCED BY THE CLASS, VISIT www.moravianacademy.org/podcasts.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

by Amey Owen Julie Oltman Ph.D., who received her doctorate in Teaching, Learning, & Technology from Lehigh University in 2018, credits Moravian Academy with embracing innovative methods of learning. “Moravian Academy has provided us with a sandbox,” said Dr. Oltman, who has two students (Jackson Oltman ‘22 and Joey Oltman ‘24) at the school. “The administration and faculty are open to new ideas, invested in learning for their students, and committed to challenging kids in a way that engages and encourages them to think beyond where they normally would.” After success with creating several game-based learning activities in collaboration with our Lower School faculty in recent years, including the development of a colonial history game inspired by “Pokemon-Go!” for our second graders, Dr. Oltman has shifted gears. Along with her doctoral advisor Dr. Tom Hammond, Associate Professor at Lehigh University, she has been working to help integrate more computational thinking into our classrooms. Computational thinking is a system of problem-solving skills used to find patterns and rules in data. This is a well-established concept in quantitative fields such as mathematics and computer science, but it also has great potential to be applied to other disciplines such as social studies, English, and global languages. “Computational thinking provides the opportunity for students to investigate,” said Dr. Oltman. “In these student-centered activities, students are discovering knowledge with their own involvement as opposed to being told what data means. This is a critical skill for the 21st-century workforce.”

REIMAGINE

How Computational Thinking Transforms Classroom Experiences

One computational thinking tool to help students apply computational thinking strategies is ArcGIS, an online geographic information tool used to compile geographic datasets into maps, which can then be manipulated and analyzed for patterns. This data can include a wide range of topics such as employment and other economic data, tracking rates of disease, climate data, and more. Dr. Oltman and Dr. Hammond have partnered with Mr. David Walp, Grade 8 Social Studies teacher for three lessons over spanning the topics of international terrorism, Jim Crow demographics, and global water scarcity. Using GIS technology and database information, students were tasked with finding patterns and then conducting additional research to learn more. Examples of patterns that students discovered and explored on their own included events such as the Rwandan genocide in Africa, the Great Northward Migration in the United States following World War I, and the disparity of water access between urban and rural populations in certain countries. “Working with Julie and Tom was a collaborative and equal-working partnership,” said Mr. Walp. “It was a great experience for the students and we are continuing to look for opportunities to incorporate additional computational thinking activities into the Social Studies curriculum.” Together, Dr. Oltman and Dr. Hammond look forward to continuing partnerships with our Lower and Middle School faculty, and developing partnerships with our Upper School faculty to embed more innovative ways of learning into curriculums across subjects. JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

OUR COMMUNITY

“The science expo was an electrified experience that helped me and my partner prepare for high school and college projects.” Aveer Chada ‘26

TO VIEW PICTURES FROM THE EXPO, VISIT www.moravianacademy.org/grade6expo

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Sixth-Grade Scientists Impress Guest Judges by Michelle Leyesa After months of preparing, our sixth-grade students were able to show off their scientific independent research projects at our first annual Sixth-Grade Science Expo in late February. The expo project encouraged our students to research topics of science and engineering that most interest them in a guided, step-by-step process. Students recorded their methodologies, research notes, trial outcomes, and logged their progress in an engineering design journal that fosters the engineering design cycle, an iterative process used to help students organize ways to solve problems. A big thank you to our visiting scientists, engineers, professors, and doctors who served on-site as judges, listening to our student presentations and providing invaluable feedback based on their vast knowledge in the STEM field. Along with Moravian Academy parents (Dr. Kamaal Anas, Sarah Baki, Bill Best, Dr. Anu Gandotra, Dr. Ganesh Skandan, and Dr. Darren Traub) and faculty members from all three of our school divisions (George Andriko, JoAnne Daniels, Dr. Gabby Dee, Paul Messman, Brad Pomeroy, and Wendy Sheetz ’85), two alumni Dr. Christopher Banach ’08 and Suzanne Peppel ’88 also graciously agreed to participate in the event after receiving outreach from students on Moravian Connect, which helps connect our current students with alumni mentors in various career fields. We are extremely grateful to all of our visiting judges and look forward to future partnerships.

String Orchestra Teacher Published on YouTube By Chase Morrision

Writing music for multiple cellos came about by accident, several years ago. Someone I knew bet that I couldn’t arrange John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” for an army of cellos. So, I did. And then I recorded it, multi-layering the tracks with each new version, with me playing each cello part. This was well before the digital age was upon us. That recording was passed around to several people, and one day I got a call from NPR, asking if they could play it on the air around July 4th and if they could interview me. I said yes to both and then, a few months later, I received a call from Brown University’s music department, who’d heard it on National Public Radio, asking if I would coach their cello choir and also teach that cello choir “Stars and Stripes.” It was so much fun, I decided to keep writing and arranging music for multiple cellos. “Things Past,” the piece I uploaded in October, is an original work. Over the holidays, I also released “Jingle Cello” (based on Jingle Bells) and “Stars and Stripes.” I’m happy to have found a new audience through social media – something that did not exist at the time I wrote my first serious cello works. Who knew one could have a second life, online? TO HEAR “THINGS PAST,” VISIT www.moravianacademy.org/chase

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

REIMAGINE

FIRE

Combining Upper School English, history, and science (biology) curricula, our Freshman Interdisciplinary Research Experience (FIRE) program incorporates shared content and skills-based instruction across the three departments throughout freshman year. Students engage faculty and peers in research and project-based learning with elements of each discipline in mind, culminating in a year-end Independent FIRE Project. Hear some reflections from our current sophomores, who completed the FIRE program last school year as part of the inaugural class:

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

“I didn’t know I had such a love for psychology until I did my F IRE project … [F IRE] taught me how to really research independently… All thanks to the F IRE project, I plan to major in psychology in college.” Favor Ufondu ’22, one of a handful of sophomores pursuing a Comenius project this year, which previously was only open to juniors and seniors.

“Dealing with the vast variety of research pursuits forced me to really ponder what it was I wanted to learn about. Overall, I was very happy to have participated in the F IRE progra m. I feel it is a great way to introduce open ended research and challenge students.” Vincent Menichelli ’22, who investigated psychoanalysis and behaviorism during his freshman year.

“The teachers have been great at helping me find little rabbit holes to go down..If you let students be free with their ideas, they are going to cultivate [them] into something special.” Katy Shnier ’22, who explored the history and science of string instruments (specifically, Dot Davis’ Banjo ukulele) for her FIRE project.

“F IRE enhanced my critical researching skills. I had to create a lot of focus myself, [which was] a big ju mp from middle school. For me, it was a good challenge.” Sebastian Holbrook ’22, who explored microtonal music for his final FIRE project.

What Are Current FIRE Students Exploring? The Class of 2023 is exploring a wide range of topics for their final FIRE projects, including:

✓ Women in Theatre ✓ Celtic Mythology ✓ Treatment of Dogs in Different Countries ✓ History and Science of Aviation ✓ Positive Impacts of Gaming on Stress Levels

✓ Psychology of Naturalism in Visual Art ✓ Human Effect on Animal Species in Africa ✓ Impact of Nitrogen Levels in Green Pond ✓ Trained all faculty and staff on updated Safety and Security protocols

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Moravian Academy Helps Alumnus Cultivate Forestry Career by Tracy Bozik

If you’ve ever enjoyed walking through the forests of Maine, in part, you have Henry Whittemore ’74 to thank. For the past 40 years, Henry has worked to cultivate and advocate for sustainable forestry practices through his career in large-scale forest management. But before he could make his mark internationally, Henry had to discover his love of forestry and conservation, which he credits to an eighth-grade English essay he wrote while at Moravian Preparatory School. Reflecting on his time at Moravian, Henry recalls, “The school created an environment in which individual learning styles were understood and supported. Especially important, I think for the 1970s, was the fact that Moravian was a community [and] consequently, no one (or very few) fell through the cracks.”

“The school created an environment in which individual learning styles were understood and supported.”

After graduating, Henry went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Williams College and then put his idealism and sense of adventure to work in the United States Peace Corps, where he spent three years serving as an agro-forestry volunteer. “When I graduated from Williams College, I felt that I was fortunate in so many ways, one of which was the fact that I was not being called to war as my father had been in 1943. [When I arrived in Tonga,] I was the only westerner on the 2x2- mile island of Nomuka, and I became very much a part of the community there. The hardest part of my experience was leaving, but it was also a necessary piece of the term — to bring back to the USA some of the socio-cultural lessons learned in service overseas.” Upon returning the states, Henry earned his Master of Forestry from Yale University and began his career in large-scale forest management with a focus on institutional timberland investment. Throughout the course of his career, Henry was able to continue his love of travel, working everywhere from New Zealand to Africa to South America. Today, Henry protects both the health of Maine’s forests and its thriving forestry industry in his role as Executive Director of The Maine TREE (Timber Research and Environmental Education) Foundation. One of his favorite initiatives of the foundation is the “Forest Ecology Research Network (FERN),” which packages Maine TREE programs for schools, nonprofit organizations, and communities allowing them to share experiences across the state. FERN unites Maine TREE’s Forest Inventory Growth (FIG) citizen science program, experiential learning through the Project Learning Tree (PLT) curriculum, and Holt Research Forest’s ecological research into an overarching program that expands the organization’s reach across the state. The data collected through FERN’s citizen science program is used to identify trends in Maine’s forests throughout the state.

Henry’s current role also allows him to spend more time with his wife, Darcy, visit his two adult children, Kate and Sam, and take care of his numerous flocks of chickens, hives of honeybees, several dogs and cats, a horse or two, and an ever-bountiful vegetable garden. MORAVIAN ACADEMY

OUR COMMUNITY

2019 International Festival for All Families

In November, the Global Awareness Committee hosted the 8th annual International Festival for All Families. Community members had the opportunity to have African unity braids woven into their hair, apply henna to their hands, create Chinese folk art, and taste foods from around the world cooked and baked by our own families. A special thanks to the Global Awareness Committee Co-Chairs Kelli Greene and Fatima Jaffer for planning this special event.

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Joyce Gilmore: Honorary Alumna by Tracy Bozik There is a line in the book The Little Prince that states, “All grown-ups were once children…but only a few remember it.” Retired Lower School teacher Diane Taylor affirms that Joyce Gilmore is one of those few, sharing, “If you have ever been lucky enough to see Joyce lead her little charges in the bunny hop, then you’ll know that she remembers.” It is this enthusiasm and glee that was the hallmark of Joyce’s 43 years of teaching at Moravian Academy. Although most of her tenure was spent teaching Prekindergarten, she also taught first, second, and third grades. Joyce first came to Moravian Preparatory School as a Lehigh University graduate student with an assignment to teach poetry lessons to the Pre-K class. Because of her fine work, she was asked by The Reverend Arthur Nehring, Moravian Academy Preparatory School Headmaster, and his assistant Myrtle Meilicke, to join the faculty as a third-grade teacher in the fall of 1969. Her love of literature and talent for storytelling led her to write a children’s book, The Erwinna Witches and Other Stories. Published in 1989, the book featured illustrations by colleague Alice Wheaton Mumbauer ’55P (see memorial on page 64), an art teacher at Moravian from 1962 to 1986.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

The book is a collection of three stories, one of which is based upon yarns spun for young Joyce by her mother while growing up in Erwinna, a town on the Delaware River in Bucks County, PA. “I loved Erwinna, and always wanted to write about it,” said Joyce. “And I remembered the stories my mother told me when I was a little girl about three witches who scampered about town playing pranks on folks and causing mischief.” Joyce is fondly remembered by both former colleagues and students alike for her vivid imagination, storytelling skills and her loving and gentle nature. Described by retired Pre-K teacher Lois Kehoe as “a rare treasure,” she truly exemplifies the Moravian Academy virtues of mind, body, and spirit.

COUNTRY FAIR & 5K The 2019 Country Fair and 5K attendees enjoyed crafts and games at the class booths, rides and a climbing wall, live music and food trucks, pony rides and a petting zoo, and more! The day kicked with the 5K run won by Mason Tran ’21 and Lily Eyvazzadeh ’22 in the student category, and Daniel Eyvazzadeh ’96 and Associate Director of College Counselor Kyle Shaughnessy in the adult category. The pie-baking contest was won by Gianna Tout-Puissant ’23 and Tianna Tout-Puissant ’23’s Apple Crumb pie. It was a gorgeous day in the Lehigh Valley and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

How Simple Acts of Kindness Impacted Law Career of Alumnus by Tracy Bozik

As class president, John Jacob ’84 had the honor of leaving his classmates with these words in his commencement speech, “Let’s strive to participate and stretch ourselves as far as we can.” These words were the culmination of years spent diving into everything Moravian Academy had to offer. John was a member of student government, the soccer team, the tennis team, Moravian Academy Singers, and also appeared on stage with roles including King Arthur in Camelot and Harold Hill in The Music Man. John even stretched himself beyond the grounds of Moravian and landed a short internship in the Family Law Division at the Northampton County Courthouse during his senior year, an experience that marked the first step in his career path as a lawyer. His second step happened thanks to a fun summer spent in DC during his college years at Colgate. “The summer between my junior and senior year, my great friend and Moravian classmate, Jeff Fuisz ’84, had an extra bed in his townhouse in Georgetown, so I spent that summer in DC and fell in love with the town. Through friendships I made that summer, I landed a job as a paralegal at a Supreme Court and appellate boutique law firm where I worked for two years after graduation. I’ve been in DC ever since.” Wanting to remain in the city after his

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

time as a paralegal, Jeff attended law school at the American University, Washington College of Law. After landing a role as a summer associate at Akin Gump, he was offered an associate position in the firm’s Health Care practice after graduating in 1993. For eight years, he served as hiring partner and has been head of the firm’s Health Care & Life Sciences practice since 2016. Reflecting upon his life and career, John said, “Simple acts of kindness have had a profound impact on my life and I’m a true believer in the importance and impact of being kind. I will never forget [former Headmaster] Mr. Devey standing out in front of Main Hall every day shaking our hands, saying good morning, and wishing each of us a great day by name. The power and impact of such a simple act still resonates with me. Although the context is different, I make an effort to incorporate a similar practice every day at my law firm.” John currently lives in Chevy Chase, MD, with wife Karen and teenage daughters Eleanor and Kate. When not working, he admittedly likes to run (but not too far), read (until he falls asleep), and grill (as often as possible).

“Simple acts of kindness have had a profound impact on my life and I’m a true believer in the importance and impact of being kind. ... I make an effort to incorporate a similar practice every day at my law firm.”

Susan R. Wilcox ’60S Fund by Bob Zaiser

It was the late 1950s, Elvis was king, and Susan Wilcox ’60S was a student at Moravian Seminary for Girls. As she recalls, she received a small scholarship from Moravian Seminary because her mother was a public school teacher. It was the opening of a new world for her. “For the first time, I was my own person, not somebody’s daughter,“ she shared. Fast forward almost sixty years later and Susan wanted to make a difference in young people’s lives. “The best thing about the school was that I was challenged to learn and to think through problems. The encouragement felt from the school and the faculty made a difference in my life.” She was especially encouraged by Ms. Virginia Clauser, an English teacher, whom she counts as a mentor.

Because of her experience, she decided to start an endowment. The Susan R. Wilcox ’60S Fund was established just last fall and will be used to support financial assistance for an Upper School student who has at least one parent who is a public school teacher. The fund will be managed by Moravian Academy’s Investment Advisory Committee with the intent to preserve principal, in accordance with the spending rates recommended by the Investment Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees. Although Susan went to college and then nursing school after Moravian Seminary for Girls, she spent most of her career in retail management and lived in New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. In the early 2000s, she moved to Florida where she resides today happily retired. JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Alumna, Faculty Member Shares Moravian Memories In December, Middle School French teacher and lifer Emily Bross Quinn ’04 shared some of her favorite “Moravian Memories” during Middle School Chapel. In the speech featured on the next page, Emily features her parents and retired faculty members Tom and Debbie Bross, brother Matt Bross ’06, and her godparents former Headmaster Dave and Miriam Devey.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

It wasn’t until I went to college that I found myself reminiscing and realizing how grateful I was to have had a Moravian Academy experience... As I have mentioned, my parents met and worked at Moravian Academy. After I was born, my parents were looking for someone to stand witness at my baptism at Nazareth Moravian Church...After much thought, they asked Mr. and Mrs. Devey if they would be willing to fulfill that role and they graciously accepted. My brother came along two years later, and the Devey’s added another godchild to their list. By now you might be wondering, did Mrs. Quinn say Mr. and Mrs. Devey?...Name sounds familiar? Oh yes! It’s the name of one of our Middle School buildings. It was named for a former Moravian Academy Headmaster from the 1970’s and 1980’s. It’s the name on a plaque outside the cafetorium where you can find Mr. Devey’s picture portrait.

call them by name. When he stood up at chapel or in an assembly, the room would fall silent. It was a sign of respect, not of fear. He had high expectations for the students. He made an impact on people’s lives with his genuine care and calming presence. He was considered a paternal figure in the Moravian Academy family, helping students and families in times of need or despair. During his tenure at Moravian, he also helped to start traditions such as our Fathers’, Grandparents’, and Mothers’ Lovefeasts, our School Prayer, and the “Hip Hip Hooray” at the raising of the flag at the start of our school year. He played a vital role in joining Moravian Prep and Moravian Sem into one school our Moravian Academy. When Mr. Devey passed away in 2015, there was a beautiful Celebration of Life service just across the way at Central Moravian Church. There wasn’t an empty seat that day - I had never seen the church so full of people other than on Vespers Night - and I won’t forget the number of people from all phases of Mr. Devey’s life, coming to pay respect and to hear about his life story.

“...make the most of your experience at Moravian, learn a little more about the people who have come before you at our school, spend more time with the older and wiser people in your life...”

But to me, the Devey’s are much more than just a name on a building. Mr. and Mrs. Devey took their role of godparents to me and my brother very seriously and made an effort to celebrate Mrs. Devey was his partner both many milestones in our lives….. at school and at home. When our They cheered us on at field school used to be two separate hockey and soccer games, which schools, there were two separate came naturally for them because alma maters. When Moravian they both had a sincere love of Academy came to be, there was a sports. They came to our theater contest for creating the lyrics for performances at school, celebrated the new alma mater. Mrs. Devey birthdays and Christmas, visited anonymously entered the lyrical just for fun, invited us to stay with contest and won! She is here today them when they lived in Lititz, PA in fact and I am very grateful that and in South Carolina. Clearly, they Emily Bross Quinn ’04 she could attend our service this went above and beyond the basic morning. Mrs. Devey has become an role of godparents. Anyone who important figure in my own children’s lives and they knew Mr. Devey would probably say the same things are very lucky to know her. about him as Headmaster of Moravian Academy as I would describe him as a godfather. I encourage you to make the most of your experience at Moravian, learn a little more about the people who Each time we got together, Mr. Devey would have come before you at our school, spend more approach me, take my hand, look me in the eyes, time with the older and wiser people in your life, smile and say, “You look good.” Every single time. and in the words of Mr. Devey, work hard, and be a What I think he was ultimately trying to tell me was, decent human being. “I’m proud of you, Emily. Keep up what you’re doing.” Mr. Devey had that way about him. When he was Headmaster of Moravian, he made each person, TO READ EMILY’S FULL MEDITATION, VISIT student and faculty, feel welcome and accepted. He www.moravianacademy.org/moravianmemories could and would shake every student’s hand and JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

2020 SUMMER TERM

Dream. Discover. Design. MORAVIAN ACADEMY

DEAR CURIOUS LEARNERS,

MA SUMMER PROGRAMS 2020 GRADE ENTERING IN FALL 2020 As the 2019-20 of Curiosity, we are to announce Week 1: Juneschool 8 - 12 year continues its focus on our vision of A Culture 7 8 9 excited 10 11 another step in developing this vision outside of the academic yearsummer term at Moravian Academy! At summer Alebra I term we are inviting students to Dream. Discover. Design. Geometry Pre-Calc The term is focused on creating an environment where students are able to take charge of their education and dig into their curiosity. We want our students to turn their curiosity into realities and by offering classes that are both part of Spanish I our curriculum and Programming outside of it, we Intro to Computer I are giving students the chance to take their education into their own hands. To learn more, please visit www.moravianacademy.org/summer. French Storytelling Intro to Filmmaking and Digital Media PART #1 Regards, Cole Wisdo,Outdoor DirectorAdventures of Summer Term Multisport with L.L.Bean Solving History’s Mysteries MA SUMMER PROGRAMS 2020 GRADE ENTERING IN FALL 2020 Week 2: June 15 19 1: 8 - 12 7 8 9 10 11 Algebra Alebra I I Geometry Pre-Calc Spanish I Intro to Computer Programming I Intro to Filmmaking French Storytelling and Digital Media Part 1 Lehigh Summerbridge Section Intro to Valley Filmmaking and DigitalInternship: Media PART #1 1 Solving History’s Mysteries Multisport Outdoor Adventures with L.L.Bean Summer PaddlingMysteries Experience with L.L. Bean Solving History’s

Week 3: 2: June 22 15 - 26 19 Algebra I Geometry Pre-Calc Spanish I Intro to Computer Programming I Drone Intro toCamp Filmmaking and Digital Media Part 1 Lehigh Valley Summerbridge Internship: Section 1 Outdoor Team Building & Leadership with L.L. Bean Solving History’s Mysteries Summer Paddling Experience with L.L. Bean Week 4: June 29 - July 3 Algebra Week 3:I June 22 - 26 Geometry Algebra I Pre-Calc Geometry Spanish Pre-CalcI How to be Spanish I a Revolutionary Lehigh Summerbridge Internship: Section 1 Intro to Valley Computer Programming I Outdoor Survival Skills with L.L. Bean Drone Camp Soccer: Summer Skills Lehigh Valley Summerbridge Internship: Section 1 Outdoor Team Building & Leadership with L.L. Bean Week 4: June 29 - July 3 Algebra I Geometry Pre-Calc Spanish I How to be a Revolutionary Lehigh Valley Summerbridge Internship: Section 1 Outdoor Survival Skills with L.L. Bean Soccer: Summer Skills JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

SUMMER TERM MA SUMMER PROGRAMS 2020 Week 5: July 6 - 10 Algebra I Geometry Pre-Calc Spanish I How to be a Revolutionary Lehigh Valley Summerbridge Internship: Section 2 Multisport Outdoor Adventures with L.L.Bean Shakespeare Page to Stage Tennis

GRADE ENTERING IN FALL 2020 8 9 10 11

Week 6: July 13 - 17 Algebra I Geometry Pre-Calculus Spanish I How to be a Revolutionary Lehigh Valley Summerbridge Internship: Section 2 Shakespeare Page to Stage Summer Paddling Experience with L.L. Bean The Art and Joy of Reading: Hearing the Sounds of Stories Week 7: July 20 - 24 Farm-to-Table Restaurant Camp Lehigh Valley Summerbridge Internship: Section 2 Outdoor Team Building & Leadership with L.L. Bean Shakespeare Page to Stage Soccer: Striker Skills The Art and Joy of Reading: Hearing the Sounds of Stories Week 8: July 27 - 31 High Performance Tennis Camp Outdoor Survival Skills with L.L. Bean The Art and Joy of Reading: Hearing the Sounds of Stories

Dream. Discover. Design.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

SOME OF OUR EXCITING OFFERINGS SOLVING HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Learn how to read and transcribe primary sources such as letters, diaries, and documents to uncover history. We will explore key moments of the eighteenth and nineteenth century such as the founding of the United States and the Civil War and Reconstruction as well as look at the twentieth century’s Progressive Era and the 1960s. Exploring a wide range of documents from the pension files of Revolutionary War veterans to letters written following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, we will hone our critical reasoning and analytical skills using primary sources.

FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT CAMP In partnership with the Easton Public Market Kitchen, the farm-to-table restaurant camp will take your child on a fun, food-filled journey. A professional Chef will teach them how to develop a budget, buy local ingredients, create recipes, build a menu, and master new cooking techniques. Students will work together to create their own farm-to-table restaurant concept!

DRONE CAMP Moravian Academy and Mr. Pomeroy have partnered with Drobots, a professional hands-on drone educational platform, to deliver a comprehensive, challenging, unique, and engaging week-long drone course. Novice and experienced pilots are welcome and encouraged to participate. The course will be tailored for age-appropriate skills and missions. Drone pilots can expect to learn about flight safety, an introduction to flying skills (free flight), individual and team drone competitions/ challenges, autonomous flight, obstacle course design, aerial photography, and drone maintenance.

MULTISPORT OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH L.L. BEAN Looking for a chance to challenge yourself while having a wicked good time this summer? There’s a new adventure every day during our wicked awesome Multi-Sport week with L.L.Bean at Lake Nockamixon State Park. This outdoor camp experience will offer the chance to conquer challenges kayaking and stand up paddleboarding on the lake, hike in the woods, learn and practice archery and so much more! JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Summer Camp In 1977, Mrs. Ann Mindler â€˜70P was a first-grade teacher dreaming of a place where young Moravian students could spend the summer exploring their passions and enjoying a pool at the Merle-Smith Campus. Through her hard work and perseverance, she turned that vision into a reality and Green Pond Camp at Moravian Academy was launched, although the pool didnâ€™t arrive until 1985. Today, 40 years later, each summer 250 campers enjoy day camp, enrichment camps, and sports camps from June through August. To learn more, visit www.moravianacademy.org/summer.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

MA SUMMER CAMP 2020 Week 1 - 8: June 31 21 Day Camp: June88- -July August Full Day Half Day Spanish Immersion: June 22 - July 10

Age 3

Pre-K

GRADE ENTERING IN FALL 2020 K 1 2 3 4

Week Week 1: 1: June June 88 --12 12 Early Literacy Skills Spanish Playmobil Stories and Filmmaking Animate Anything Drone Camp Readers' Theatre and Mindfulness

Age 3

Pre-K

Week Week 2: 2: June June 15 15 --19 19 Soccer Striker Skills Spanish Playmobil Stories and Filmmaking Art Camp! Volume 1 Play with Your Food! Super Sleuths and Super Heroes Science Drone Camp

Age 3

Pre-K

Week - 26 Week 3: 3: June June 22 22-26 Soccer Striker Skills Spanish Playmobil Stories and Filmmaking Paper Animation Camp Engineering 101 Innovation 2020

Age 3

Pre-K

Week Week4: 4:June June 29 29-- July 33 Art Camp! Volume 2 Readers Workshop

Age 3

Pre-K

Week 5: - 10 5: July 66-10

Age 3

Pre-K

Week - 17 Age 3 Week6: 6:July July 13 13-17 Spanish Creative Story-Writing and Illustration Tennis Academy FIRST Lego League Jr. Robotics Boot Camp Claymation Camp

Pre-K

Week 7: - 24 Week 7: July July 20 20-24

Age 3

Pre-K

Week - 31 Week8: 8:July July 27 27-31 Soccer Skills Beyond the Outer Limits Farm-to-Table Restaurant Camp

Age 3

Pre-K

In Harmony Spanish Creative Story-Writing and Illustration Rube Goldbergâ€™s Magnificent Machine

Tennis Academy Escape the Classroom FIRST Lego League Robotics Boot Camp

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

THE ARTS

Celebrating Middle School Improv by Laura Riker

This school year, our Middle School improv troupe, a vibrant part of the performing arts at Moravian Academy for almost 25 years, commemorated its 10th anniversary under Middle School Dean of Students Mrs. Laura Riker’s direction. The troupe was established in 1996 by former seventh-grade English teacher Mr. John Smith Hornung. Under his direction, the group was known as “Mission Improv-able” and ran as a small group that met consistently throughout the fall. After Mr. Hornung’s departure in 2006, the group somewhat struggled to continue until Mr. Hornung’s friend, Mrs. Riker, was invited to direct the troupe. She would become a long-term substitute and then a full-time faculty member. Under her direction, the group has simply been called “Improv” and has grown in size while staying true to the group’s roots established by Mr. Hornung. Interest in Improv has been robust, and we are grateful to Mr. Rick Dow, retired Middle School faculty member, for donating his assistance since 2016 to help support the participation of a large number of students.

Through participating in Improv, students develop many essential acting skills, such as working as part of an ensemble, listening to and trusting one another, and being playful, creative, and physical on stage. It also develops speaking skills and self-confidence, sharpens thinking, and is simply a lot of fun. The “rules of improv” very much apply to life, and it is our hope that the time students spend participating in the program enriches them as performers, students, and human beings on their life journey. MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Fifth-Graders Shine in Production of Annie Kids

Our fifth-grade Lower School Players brought the classic tale of little orphan Annie to life with four amazing performances directed by Ms. Barbara Medina, Lower School Spanish teacher, and Roseanne Emig, retired Lower and Middle School librarian. Songs like “Tomorrow,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” brought down the house in both Benigna Auditorium and the Dyer Auditorium at the Upper School. Actors were supported by an outstanding group of stage crew students, who took care of the technical aspects of the show as well as making sure the scene changes ran smoothly. The artwork of students in art teacher Mr. Brian Elstein’s “Sets and Props” after school program also played a major role in the set design of the show.

TO VIEW THE SHOW, VISIT www.moravianacademy.org/annie

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Coffeehouse 2019 After weeks of rehearsals, Coffeehouse, our annual variety show, took the Upper School stage November 22nd and 23rd. Featuring acts of song, dance, sketch comedy, jazz music, aerial skills, and more, our students impressed audiences with their immense talent. TO VIEW THE SHOW, VISIT www.moravianacademy.org/coffeehouse

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

THE ARTS

Students Shine at PMEA District 10 Orchestra

Each year, our top string players audition for the highly coveted spots in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) orchestra. This year, seven of our Upper and Middle School students shined amongst hundreds of their peers across the district and earned spots in the orchestra, which performed at Wilson High School at the end of January. CONGRATULATIONS TO: Krysta Nichols ’21 Elena Capobianco ’23 Yan Yu ’23 Okezue Bell ’23 Ryan Cheng ’24 Chessie Bartolacci ’24 Valia Tsirukis ’24

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Lions Display Musical Talent 2020 RED & GOLD RECITAL In January, some of our top Upper School music students and select faculty members performed for family and friends as part of our Red and Gold Recital series. Performers included Alex Adams ’20 (piano), Barbershop Quartet members (Ben Kraft ’20, Will Bingham ’20, Sebastian Holbrook ’22, and Upper School Music Director Rob Riker), Okezue Bell ’23 (violin), Angela Chen ’21 (piano), Upper School Spanish teacher Gonzalo del Real (tenor), Emma Gross ’21 (mezzo soprano), Sebastian Holbrook ’22 (baritone), Upper School accompanist Linda Himic (piano), Deborah Katz ’21 (soprano), Upper School physics teacher Dr. Jeff Lawlis (piano), Emma Lamberti ’20 (soprano), Upper School English teacher Stephen Molloy (tenor), Krysta Nichols ’21 (violin), and Upper School Spanish teacher Dr. Juan Rojo (flute).

CHORUS FESTIVALS ABOUND! In January, our Upper School students shined at both the Northampton County Chorus Festival and the District 10 PMEA Chorus Festival. Participants included Will Bingham ’20, Sebastian Holbrook ’22, Emma Lamberti ’20, Ben Kraft ’20, Alison Riker ’21, Keira Smith ’22, Deb Katz ’21, Grace Sanborn ’21, Angela Chen ’21, Katy Shnier ’22, Sophia Mangino ’22, Emma Gross ’21, Ryan Baki ’22, Will Bakos ’22, Jaxsen Miller ’22, Franco Zelada ’21, John McKernan ’23, Charles Bingham ’23, John Marmaras ’20, and Raymond Zelada ’20.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

ATCH THE PERFORMANCE AT W moravianacademy.org/redgoldrecital

Film Review: “Epiphany” ALUMNA FILMMAKER EXPLORES IDENTITY, GREEK CULTURE IN “EPIPHANY” By Audrey Dai ’21 It isn’t every day that a movie’s protagonist is a teenage girl and first-generation U.S. citizen. In Epiphany, filmmaker and director Koula Sossiadis Kazista ’91 and her sister Katina Sossiadis craft the story of Luka, a girl who struggles to connect with herself, her family, and her Greek culture. Like many of us, Luka struggles to juggle the feelings of isolation and identity. Throughout the film, soft music accompanies the vivid, scenic shots of Tarpon Springs, FL, a largely Greek-dominated town, which relies on sponge-diving for its main commercial revenue. Despite so many people who share bits and pieces of her identity, Luka feels alone in the world and like an outsider in her own family. The film doesn’t just center on Luka’s search for her identity; it also dives deep into her cultural heritage, a reflection of Kazista’s own story. Kazista’s father was a Greek immigrant who came to the Lehigh Valley when he was 24 years old, where he began working as a garage-mechanic. She remembers witnessing the film’s title event as a child during the summers that her family spent in Tarpon Springs. The title of the film itself is a play on what Kazista describes as a “cinematic moment” in her own story, brought to life onscreen. The Epiphany is a Greek Orthodox tradition in which teenagers compete in diving for a cross – a symbol of hope thought to bring luck to the winner’s family. Yet, only boys are allowed to participate in this tradition. When asked about the process of forming Luka’s identity, Kazista openly states that she originally had trouble writing the script from a teenage boy’s point of view. But once her sister joined her, they decided to scrap Lucas’ story and instead write Luka’s story – a teenage girl’s perspective. By doing so, Kazista opens the door up to issues revolving around gender and being female in the Greek Orthodox Church. With Epiphany, to receive the cross means to receive luck and fortune. It means a way to solve problems, no matter how big or small they are. To Luka, this tradition is her only hope to fix her broken family. On the day of the Epiphany, Luka pulls a “Mulan,” disguises herself as a boy, and dives for the cross. In the film, the characters are human – meaning, they are far from perfect. While directing the film, Kazista wanted to ensure that it did not fall face-first into the standard “happily-ever-after” trope. Each one of Epiphany’s characters carry with them a weight that crafts the raw humanity of Kazista’s story. We have all been Luka at some point in our lives. Either that, or we have all known a “Luka.” Epiphany humanizes and validates our own feelings about our identities. The audience is brought along Luka’s journey of self-acceptance and liberation. Epiphany is Kazista’s ode to her Greek identity, and an ode to young girls all around the world. It’s a call to grow and to accept our pain that is ingrained in our identity. O VIEW THE FILM’S TRAILER VISIT T www.moravianacademy.org/epiphanyfilm

THE ARTS

FOR MORE PICTURES, VISIT www.moravianacademy.org/statefair.

Blue Ribbon for “State Fair”!

In February, Moravian Academy Theatre presented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “State Fair.” Featuring standout performances by Will Bingham ’20 (Abel Frake), Emma Gross ’21 (Melissa Frake), Aidan Reese ’20 (Wayne Frake), Deborah Katz ’21 (Margy Frake), Emma Lamberti ’20 (Emily Arden), Ethan Buck ’20 (Harry), and Ben Kraft ’20 (Pat Gilbert), the exceptional show transformed audiences to the grounds of the Iowa State Fair through a story of romance and family. Photo Credit: Veronica Burchielli ’22, Maclaine Oskin ’21, Peter (PJ) Scarperi ’20, Upper School Art teacher Lindsay Woodruff, and Chloe Wreaks ’22

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Giving Days Support Annual Fund by Susan Parent

The Moravian community generously exercised their time, talents and treasure during both Giving Tuesday 2019 and 1742Minutes Day of Giving 2020. Giving Tuesday, held Dec 4, 2019, marks a 24-hour period when people around the world are invited to support their non-profit of choice. Our Moravian Academy community came out in full force and made this day a priority. Participation was steady and strong. The goal of $20,000 and 100 donors was handily met by 135 donors contributing $37,000 to the Annual Fund! February brought our fourth annual 1742Minutes Day of Giving campaign. We use 1742 to commemorate the inception of Moravian’s 278 year history. Support came from every direction thanks to the 278 donors who gifted $34,125 over 1742 minutes. This success is credit to the generosity of gifts from parents, students, alumni, trustees, parents of alum, and friends of the Academy. Momentum increased with student participation. Lower and Middle schoolers were invited to a 1742 coins challenge. Each division handily met their goals totaling 4,510 coins. New this year, upper school students volunteered to gather in the AWC offices to make calls to alumni. Sixteen volunteers made hundreds of calls inspiring alum from around the country to remember their alma mater and give. Conversations about

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

stories from the past met enthusiastic comments about current activities at Moravian. Mac the Lion mascot waved to families at every drop-off and pick-up. Joining the efforts were also parent volunteers and teacher “I Gave” button-wearing enthusiasts. Combined, the community encouraged one another to make philanthropy at priority at the Academy. Moravian members understand that Annual Fund gifts are essential to fully funding pillars of education at Moravian Academy. Athletics, fine and performing arts, innovation and technology, unique programming, tuition assistance and faculty compensation are just a few. Recognizing our tremendous teachers who serve our young people creatively and skillfully every day is confirmed by gifts. Supporting the exceptional experiences of our students is important because the future lies in their hands. We supply them with a toolbox filled with confidence, empathy, innovation and vision. Your gifts made that happen. Thank you for pledging or donating to the Annual Fund and committing to Moravian Academy’s tradition of excellence.

READ MORE AT www.moravinacademy.org/success.

Parent Ambassador Network Events Support Admission Efforts Our Office of Admissions continues to invest in efforts to increase inquiries and applications. One of our most successful initiatives has been our Parent Ambassador Network (PAN) branded events gearing towards a more intimate and personal way to connect with prospective families and students. This year we have already held three very successful PAN events, including:

JOHNSON HOUSEHOLD EVENT: DECEMBER 2019 Hosted by Matt and Kristi Johnson ‘97 (Lower and Middle School Director of Student Support Services), parents to three Lower School students, this event drew several families. The night featured a presentation by kindergarten teacher Amy Bowser ‘87 on how digital platform SeeSaw is used by our teachers.

HOLIDAY POP-UP CARD & GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP: DECEMBER 2019 Hosted in our Lower School kindergarten room featuring a number of PAN members, this event allowed families to be on campus for a fun holiday crafting morning. Attendees designed special holiday pop-up cards in a workshop presented by Lower School art teacher Brian Elstein and created gingerbread houses with PAN members and Mona Ziabari ‘22!

WINE TASTING AT BLACK RIVER FARMS: JANUARY 2020 Hosted by the Warner Family (Andy Warner ‘80 and Kris Warner) at their Black River Farms Winery, this unique event treated guests to light hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings. Drew Warner ‘18 spoke about his experience at Moravian and how it has completely prepared him to navigate, very successfully, his college journey. The evening also included the opportunity to speak to trustees, staff, and Head of School Jeff Zemsky.

A TASTE OF CURIOSITY AT POCONO PROFOODS: FEBRUARY 2020 Hosted by Drew Snyder ‘02 of Pocono Profoods, this evening event was specifically marketed to our prospective families living in the Stroudsburg and surrounding areas. The food for the evening was generously provided by Drew and his sister Kara Snyder, also of ProFoods. Drew spoke about his years at Moravian and how the school prepared him for his college career. If you are interested in being part of our vibrant and involved Parent Ambassador Network, or if you know of a family that would be interested in attending one of our upcoming events, please reach out to admissions@mamail.net or call 610-332-5200. JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Supporting Moravian Academy THROUGH PENNSYLVANIA TAX CREDIT PROGRAM by Bob Zaiser If you were told that you could increase your donations to Moravian Academy tenfold without personally giving more money, would you be interested? What if you were told that you could possibly divert your state tax liability through a donation to the school, would you be interested? This past year, several parents at Moravian Academy have taken advantage of a program with these benefits to maximize their giving to our school.

Seymour who gives through his business.

Through the Pennsylvania Tax Credit program (EITC/OSTC) residents of the state of Pennsylvania can donate through their business or through their individual tax liabilities and those donations are then used for financial aid at Moravian Academy.

Not only do current parents make gifts in this fashion, but so do alumni and parents of alumni who have tax liability in the state of Pennsylvania. “The paperwork was very easy and straightforward,” said Karen Pearce Sonier ’78, who along with her husband Mike Sonier, is a donor through the program. “The packet provided was very helpful and easy to understand.”

Paul and Kym Farr, current parents at the school, are proponents of the program. “We decided to donate through the EITC program because of the ability to dramatically increase our giving to Moravian Academy, without a material change to the total cash out of pocket to accomplish that. We effectively redirected money we were going to pay the state anyway in terms of our state income tax liability, to the school.” Donating helps Moravian because it significantly expands the resource base of the school. Every year, 36% of Moravian’s students are provided financial aid and the Pennsylvania Tax Credit Program donations are mandated by law to be used for financial aid. As a school community, if donations increase through this program, other funding is freed up to help the school’s initiatives. “It was a way for me to support an institution I believe in with tax credits that the Pennsylvania legislature approved,” shared current parent Scott

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Brian and Alisa Loftus, also current parents at the school give through their individual tax liabilities. “We decided to donate to the EITC program because it gives us the ability to redirect my state tax dollars to Moravian Academy, and it also allows us to donate significantly more to the school than we normally could,” stated Brian Loftus.

Paul Farr put it in perspective when he shared, “Once we understood the mechanics of how to do it and confirming everything with our tax advisors, it was a very easy choice to make. Thousands of other parents at other schools are doing this more significantly than the MA community and we need to catch up. If we don’t, the state income taxes we all pay are simply subsidizing other kids at other schools.” Sonier said it differently. “We decided to donate through the ETIC program because it was a ’no brainer.’ Better to give to Moravian Academy than pay taxes to the state.” If you pay taxes and would like to use the Pennsylvania Tax Credit Program to support Moravian Academy at significant levels, follow the steps (seen left) or contact Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement at bzaiser@ mamail.net or 610-332-5291.

TO SUPPORT MORAVIAN ACADEMY THROUGH PENNSYLVANIA TAX CREDIT PROGRAM, FOLLOW THESE FOUR STEPS:

Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4:

Work with your tax accountant to estimate your PA tax liability over the next two tax years.

Afilling pply for the EITC Tax Credits through the state (for a business) or by out the joinder (for an individual) from the Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund or any other similar organization and return to their attention. Make sure you signify that Moravian Academy is your school of choice to receive these funds (your tax liability which would normally go to the state). Once you gain your letter of acceptance, send Moravian Academy the donation that you are approved to give. Wait for your letter that is to be used to prove you have satisfied your tax liability.

Alumni Updates College Corner

Our College Corner series highlights Moravian Academy graduates who are currently pursuing college or postgraduate degrees. The articles appear on our website (www.moravianacademy. org/collegecorner) 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 contact Tracy Bozik at tbozik@mamail.net.

Moravian Connect EXPLORE YOUR MORAVIAN CONNECT NETWORK • Looking for a new job or career mentor? • Curious to see what your classmates have been up to? • Want to share your career expertise with alumni or students? • Interested in hiring a Moravian Academy alum? Create your profile, or login at www.moravianconnect.com INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Become A Mentor Moravian has a long tradition 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 the community through The Lillie Turman Mentorship Program. Interested in becoming a mentor? Sign up on Moravian Connect (moravianconnect.com) or contact Tracy Bozik, Director of Alumni Relations, at tbozik@mamail.net JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

2019-20 Coast to Coast Tour Continued Our Coast to Coast alumni visits continued through the fall and winter. Susan Parent, Director of Annual Giving & Special Campaigns, met with alumni in Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

NASHVILLE, TN Susan Parent enjoyed the company of Joe Fuisz ‘88, John Guider ‘67P, Karen Goode Lehmberg ‘86, Erin Danaher ‘16, Caroline Davis ‘21, and Ken Davis ‘90 in and around Nashville, TN in January.

ATLANTA, GA Atlanta, GA area residents Nancy Boderman ‘82, Lindsay Marles Britt ‘02, Karen Davies Hall Wright ‘66S, Grace Vorosmarti ‘15, and Emory University student Alex Rand ‘16 met with Susan Parent in mid-January.

MIDWEST Midwest alumni Rebekah Cohen Rockwood ‘01, Michael Corsa ‘02, and Isaiah Martino ‘19 in Chicago, Joe Gano ‘60P in Naperville, IL, Jean Bassett Hopkins ‘55S in Grand Rapids, MI, Andrew Keller Miller ‘95 in Ada, MI, and Sandra Ferry Ammon ‘56S in Mequon, WI shared Moravian stories with Susan Parent.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Brothers Dillon Memon ‘16 and Roshaun Memon ‘18 joined Elaine Hockman ‘57S, and Susan Parent on the University of Michigan campus.

NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY Notre Dame University students Myria Zambas ‘16, Ryan Hoffman ‘19, and Robert Beck ‘18 spoke of their excellent college experiences thanks to being well prepared at Moravian Academy.

NEW YORK The Malt House FiDi was the setting for our November New York City “Coast to Coast” visit. This great group came together to connect with one another and special guests from the Upper School, including faculty members Dr. Gabriella Dee, Kevin Ferdinand, and Patricia Davis.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

nyc

WHEN WILL WE SEE YOU?

Be on the lookout for an email invitation or feel free to reach out directly to Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement, at bzaiser@mamail.net, to arrange a meeting.

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Reunion 2019 by Tracy Bozik

Hundreds of current families and alumni gathered at Reunion events, the 5K Fun Run, and the Country Fair (see page 29) in early October. Beautiful weather provided the backdrop for reconnecting with classmates and former teachers, as well as discovering new additions to the campus. Friday’s Alumni Lovefeast held at Central Moravian Church signaled the traditional start to the weekend. During the meditation, Ann Sloyer Mindler ‘70P, Director of the Lower School, shared lessons from her journey with Moravian as a student, teacher and administrator. Former Lower School teacher Joyce Gilmore was recognized as this year’s Honorary Alumna (See page 28 for her profile). A festive postlude was provided by guest organist Bill Humphries ‘69P. During Upper School Alumni Chapel, history teacher Ian Gutgold ’10 described how Moravian helped him to become “the very best version of who I could be.” On Friday evening, alumni gathered for a social on the patio of the Athletic and Wellness Center, complete with food trucks, a mead tasting by Colony Meadery CEO Greg Heller-LaBelle ’01, and music by Jack Dubreuil ’18. The following morning, alumni had the opportunity to enjoy Country Fair before heading into Melhado Dining Room for the Reunion Luncheon. During the luncheon, this year’s Distinguished Alumni Henry Whittemore ’74 (see page 26) and John Jacob ’84 (see page 30) were recognized. Kim Sanborn, Upper School French teacher, and Meredith McCambridge, Lehigh Valley CORE Director and former Moravian Academy faculty member, were announced as the winners of the Barnaby J. Roberts Fund Award, which honors faculty members who had positive influences on their Moravian Academy students. The luncheon concluded with a boisterous game of “Are You Smarter Than MA Middlers?,” which challenged alumni to go head to head with three Middle School students Peyton Falzone ‘26, Jolie Eyvazzadeh ‘25, and Abigail Marsh ‘25 in rounds of trivia questions. Many attendees gathered to remember Dr. Claire Smith Hornung, who passed away in 2016. A Lower School faculty member from 1992-2006, Dr. Hornung was also active as a dorm parent and the director of LUMA, the Lehigh University Moravian Academy collaborative in which Lehigh students worked with students on technology projects. Her husband, John Hornung, was a teacher in the Middle School. The highlight for most alumni were the class events held on Saturday evening. Whether in the Lower School Gym or at a local restaurant, alumni caught up with classmates from across the country, recounting stories from their days at the Academy, the Seminary for Girls, and the Preparatory School. It was a wonderful weekend to be a member of the Moravian Academy community!

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

SAVE THE DATE • REUNION 2020 • OCTOBER 2-4, 2020

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction In December, we celebrated our newest Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, Drew Balshi ‘05, Debbie Bross, and Maureen Mahlman ‘96.

Drew Balshi ‘05 BASKETBALL, TENNIS, GOLF Once dubbed by The Morning Call as “one of the area’s finest overall athletes,” Drew Balshi ‘05 was a three-sport athlete at Moravian Academy and has the distinction of being our second male 1,000+ point scorer. This versatile athlete has many athletic accolades, including four District titles. He was a member of the 2002 boys’ tennis state championship team, and was the 2005 state doubles champ with partner Eric Bourassa ‘05. He continued his athletic career on the varsity tennis team at Lehigh University. Debbie Bross VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY COACH AND FACULTY MEMBER, RETIRED Debbie Bross arrived at Moravian Academy in 1981 to teach physical education and was soon charged with bolstering a fledgling field hockey program., Under Coach Bross, Moravian Academy field hockey teams won over 500 games and brought home two state championships, first in 1984 and again in 2016. Her 37-year tenure also includes coaching teams to five Colonial League titles and six District 11 titles. Since retiring in 2018, Debbie is enjoying spending time with husband Tom, former Moravian Academy Upper School Physics teacher, and her growing family, including granddaughters Sophie and Naomi. Maureen Mahlman ‘96 TENNIS, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL Maureen was a three-sport athlete at Moravian Academy who is remembered by teammates and coaches alike for her drive and determination. She scored her 1000th point during girls’ basketball Districts her senior year, ending with 1007 career points. As a softball captain, she helped lead the young team to their first undefeated season, as well as the Penn Jersey championship. She continued her athletic career at Drew University, playing varsity softball and basketball. Maureen currently resides in Basking Ridge, NJ, with husband Kevin and children Jackson, Reagan, Kieran and Jameson, where she is starting a marketing business.

TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S INDUCTEES, VISIT www.moravianacademy.org/inductees.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Young Alumni

SHARE COLLEGE INSIGHTS by Jeff Zemsky In January, 12 young alumni from the Class of 2017 shared their insights on college selection, life on campus, and college preparedness with our sophomore and juniors. The students talked about navigating the search process, what’s important about preparing to succeed in college, and their favorite advice on how to make the most of the Upper School experience at Moravian. Three standout observations that the recent alumni mentioned about their transitions to college included: “Less have-to-do and more want-to-do” All the alumni confirmed that the academic expectations and the work loads at Moravian Academy made their transitions to their colleges seamless in terms of academic challenges. What they mentioned as the greater challenge was adapting to the freedoms of directing more of their own learning. One alumna described it in these words: “Remember that no one is really going to be telling you what you need to do or watching you and checking your decisions, so it’s really easy to either do way too much or do way too little, and both can be troublesome.” The alumni talked about finding that a majority of what they are learning is happening outside of the regular courses and that navigating what you spend your time on can be challenging since you have to build your own schedule, including clubs and activities and internships. Best advice on picking schools for your list? Call the Moravian alums. A current Moravian student asked the panelists how to narrow down their list of potential

colleges. The alumni each went to this immediate response: find a Moravian graduate who’s at that school and reach out to them. One alumnus said, “Even if you don’t know them personally, I guarantee you they will reply and probably will offer to talk to you at length and sit down and spend time with you on a visit. They will tell you what their experience is really like and you’ll be able to relate to it.” Several of the alumni said that what they heard from other Moravian alumni was some of the most helpful advice they received. I loved hearing that Moravian Academy students take care of each other even after graduation “Learn to do your laundry.” And given the chance to talk openly about the transition to college, many of the recent graduates reflected on what had worked for them that had not worked for many of their peers at college. They talked about being disciplined about using the campus fitness centers and being confident on day one to talk to professors and advisors with their questions. They talked about intentionally stepping out of their comfort zones on their new campuses to make lots of different kinds of friends right away. They talked about getting sleep and being in charge of their schedules instead of letting themselves be ruled by stress. “Just because you can wear sweatpants every day does not mean that you should,” one alumna said, “put some effort into your appearance.” And some of the best advice I heard all morning: “Learn to do your laundry. Some people let it get gross.”

2019 YOUNG ALUMNI PANELISTS: Iman Braich ’17 Lehigh University Erin Campbell ’17 University of Rochester Shabaig Chatha ’17 University of Pennsylvania Michael Gibson ’17 Amherst College Rachael Kraft ’17 Vassar College Daniel Moreno ’17 Princeton University Hanna O’Connor ’17 Mt. Holyoke College Catherine Ryczek ’17 Hamilton College Haley Schierwagen ’17 University of Rochester Rachel Schuchman ’17 Penn State University Oliver Scott ’17 University of Southern California Mya Tucker ’17 Lehigh University

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

CLASS NOTES

Class Notes 58

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Little Lions

WE WELCOME THE FOLLOWING CHILDREN TO OUR MORAVIAN ACADEMY FAMILY 1. Justin Walker ’10 and wife Olivia welcomed daughter Emerson Rose in February 2019. She joins big sister Charlotte Catherine. The family resides in Hummelstown, PA, where Justin is a second-year anesthesiology resident at Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. 2. Cherise Alcoseba Hendershot ’03 and husband James welcomed daughter Madalena in May 2019. She joins proud big brother Sullivan (5 years old) and big sister Lila (2.5 years old). 3. Dr. Lacey Wismer ’01 and husband Baris Canbulat welcomed their first child, daughter Cora Blaire Canbulat on March 1, 2020.

Submit your news for the next issue! We love to help you celebrate 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 JOURNAL | WINTER | FALL 2019 2020

CLASS NOTES

1991

1961 Dr. Pamela O. Long ’61S shared that her book, Engineering the Eternal City: Infrastructure, Topography, and the Culture of Knowledge in Late SixteenthCentury Rome, was awarded the 2019 Edelstein Book Prize by the Society for the History of Technology. The Edelstein Prize is awarded to the author of an outstanding scholarly book in the history of technology published during the preceding three years.

Koula Sossiadis Kazista ’91 recently visited Bud Brennan’s Middle School filmmaking elective to talk about her new film, Epiphany, and to field questions from students about the writing and filmmaking process. The film can be purchased or rented on Amazon. Read more about the film on page 45. (See photo 3 on page 62) (Left to Right): Jean Armstrong Nick ’77, Lydia Ewing Tolley ’77, and Jennifer Diehl Welborn ’77

1966

1977

A new exhibition showcasing the works of sculptor and photographer Stephen Althouse ’66P has opened at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, DE. “Relics” features enormous images captured by the artist between 2003 and 2017, which elevates and transforms antique tools and decorative arts into universal symbols. The exhibition runs through May 24, 2020.

Jean Armstrong Nick ’77 shared news about her recent gathering with Lydia Ewing Tolley ’77 and Jennifer Diehl Welborn ’77. Stated Jean, “Ten percent of the class of 1977 together for the first time since graduation.” (See photo above)

1973 Annette (Nettie) Kromayer Bonner ’73 and Madame Mimi Stanford, former Moravian Prep French teacher and Honorary Alumna, met and dined at Mimi’s home last summer. They have written to each other for 50 years, but rarely connected in person. Ironically, Mimi was a student in Nettie’s mother’s (Dr. Astrid Kromayer) Spanish class at Moravian College in the 80’s. Quel bonheur! (See photo below)

This holiday season, G. Jean AtwoodWaller ’80 played Mrs. Claus aboard the Operation Toy Train 2019, provided by Seashell Santas, her indie cottage business venture. She added, “It’ll be really nice to have a great turnout at the 2020 Reunion! If anyone wants to start planning something for our 40th Celebration, send me a LinkedIn message at https://www.linkedin.com/ in/glorijean4p.” (See photo 2 on page 62)

1981

1983

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

In December, Ik-Chan (Mathew) Kang ’92 paid a surprise visit to the Upper School campus before traveling back to Korea. He said, “Even though 27 years has passed already, the campus looked exactly the same.” (See photo below)

1980

During a recent visit to the Carnegie Library of the Perkiomen School, Patti Davis, Director of Upper School Media Services, had a chance to catch up with Mark Devey ’81, Perkiomen Head of School. (See photo 5 on page 62)

Annette (Nettie) Kromayer Bonner ’73 and Madame Mimi Stanford

1992

In December, The Honorable Paula Roscioli ’83 hosted Dr. Catherine Moore’s Upper School Literature of Solitude and Loneliness class for a “behind-the-scenes” tour of Northampton County Prison, and lunch with a Q&A session at the courthouse. Read more about the class field trip at www.moravianacademy.org/literature.

Ik-Chan (Mathew) Kang ’92 with Head of School Jeff Zemsky

1996 Megan Butler Eyvazzadeh ’96 was a featured guest speaker at our Upper School’s International Women’s Night in February. The annual event, sponsored by the International Club and the Women’s Awareness Club, had a theme of “The Future of Feminism” with a focus on women in business. Megan is a physical therapist and co-founder of The Restoration Space, an integrative healthcare center. (See photo 1 on page 62)

2009 Adam Fix ’09 taught a summer course at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth in Baltimore, MD entitled “Newton, Darwin and Einstein.” In 2019, he received his doctorate in History of Science, Technology and Medicine from the University of Minnesota. His dissertation title was “Sensible Mathematics: The Science of Music in the Age of the Baroques.” Marissa Zondag ’09 recently started a new position as Leadership Gift Officer at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA.

2010 Gregory Pappas ’02 with wife Rachel

2002 Gregory Pappas ’02 writes, “I’m currently working as a Vice/Narcotics Trooper for the Pennsylvania State Police in the Lehigh Valley. My wife, Rachel, is from Easton. We got married in a small intimate wedding at Two Rivers Brewing Co. in Easton in October 2019. She is a graduate of Moravian College and a Regulatory Analyst for B. Braun Medical in Allentown. We currently live in Easton with our dogs, Jake and Rocky.” (See photo above)

In November, Gregory Chrin ’10, founder and CEO of Apis Innovation, won the Ben Franklin Venture Idol for startup technology businesses. Apis’ smartWell device, which reduces the amount of methane that escapes from landfills’ gas collection systems, beat out six competitors in the annual competition. Read more at www.moravianacademy. org/alumnipress. (See photo below)

(Left to Right) Upper School Dean of Students Dan Axford, Dysean Alexander ’12, Chris Holben ’12, Rachael Redles ’12, and Dayna Memmo ’12

2012 Dan Axford, Upper School Dean of Students, recently caught up with members of the Class of 2012, including Dysean Alexander ’12, Chris Holben ’12, Rachael Redles ’12, and Dayna Memmo ’12. (See photo above)

2013 Aliya Gangji ’13 was recently promoted to Senior Technology Consultant at IBM. She said, “I am working on the Tiffany & Co. account to build an iPad application that allows sales associates to assess potential clients. The overall goal is to transform the legacy Point of Sale (POS) dependent user experience into a rich and modern user experience.”

2003

2014

In December, Lauren Calabrese ’03 was highlighted in The Brown and White, Lehigh University’s student newspaper, in an article about the balance of academia, athletics and motherhood. A mother of two, Lauren is the assistant head coach of the women’s soccer team and an English professor at Lehigh. Read the full article at www.moravianacademy. org/alumnipress.

Avery Newell ’14 attends Vermont Law School, where she is studying environmental law. She recently concurrently completed a Masters in Energy Regulation and Law (MERL).

2005 Jared Surnamer ’05, a secondgeneration manufactured housing community owner, dispelled some of the stigmas associated with the mobile home industry in a recent Morning Call feature. Read the full article at www. moravianacademy.org/alumnipress. (See photo 4 on page 62)

Apis Innovation founder and CEO Gregory Chrin ’10 spoke at Ben Franklin Venture Idol for start-up technology businesses.

2011 Gianna Beleno Neal ’11 recently appeared as young writer Betty Schaefer in Civic Theatre’s (Allentown) production of Sunset Boulevard.

Emily Senderling ’14 has started a new position as On-Premise Activation Specialist at Constellation Brands, a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits headquartered in Victor, NY.

Jordan Will-Weber ’11 was recently highlighted in the Monitor Daily, the leading source for equipment finance and equipment leasing industry news, for her career growth and accomplishments. Read the article at www.moravianacademy.org/alumnipress.

JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

CLASS NOTES

1. Megan Butler Eyvazzadeh ’96 (pictured far right) was a featured guest speaker at our Upper School’s International Women’s Night in February. 2. G. Jean Atwood-Waller ’80 plays Mrs. Claus in Operation Toy Train 2019 3. Koula Sossiadis Kazista ’91 visited a Middle School filmmaking elective to discuss her new film Epiphany 4. Manufactured housing community owner Jared Surnamer ’05 dispelled myths about the mobile home industry in The Morning Call in November. 5. Patti Davis with Mark Devey ’81 6. Lizzie Stifel ’19 with Theo Bissell ’17 in Senegal 7. Mayv Clune ’17 competed in the Rohrmax Cup in Vienna, Austria

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

2015

2017

2018

In advance of this fall’s PIAA boys soccer final, Jeffrey Brown ‘15 and Ryan Peslis ‘15 looked back on their experience from the 2014 state championship game in a Morning Call article. Read the full article at www.moravianacademy.org/ alumnipress.

In January, overcoming a knee injury, University of Maryland junior Mayv Clune ‘17 competed for the U.S. National Indoor field hockey team in the Rohrmax Cup in Vienna, Austria. Read The Morning Call article about Mayv’s perseverance at www.moravianacademy.org/alumnipress. (See photo 7 on page 62)

Nickolas Boylan ‘18, a sophomore at The College of William & Mary, has been accepted into the Visiting Student Program at Hertford College of Oxford University. He said, “I’ll be spending a semester there working one-on-one with two professors.”

Liam Hurley ’15 started a new position as Inside Sales Specialist at Arrive Logistics, a logistics and supply chain services provider headquartered in Austin, TX. Stephanie Koontz ’15 started a new position as Commercial Real Estate Agent at Louisiana-based NAI Latter & Blum Commercial Real Estate.

This fall, Haley Schierwagen ’17 spent time in Peru, studying abroad at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. She is pursuing a biomedical engineering major with Spanish and mechanical engineering minors at the University of Rochester. (See photo below)

Julius Sarkozy ’15 recently served as the Music Director for MunOpCo Music Theatre’s (Allentown) production of Mamma Mia! He also serves on the organization’s Board of Directors. Army Lieutenant Ethan Green ‘15 was featured on Military.com in March 2020 for his work with the U.S. government to find a COVID-19 vaccine. Read the article at www.moravianacademy.org/ alumnipress. (See photo below)

2016 Moravian College senior Shelby Nickerson ’16 shared that she accepted a full-time position with accounting/ consulting firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, in their Lancaster, PA office starting fall of 2020.

2019 Lizzie Stifel ‘19 recently concluded her participation in the U.S. State Department Kennedy Lugar YES Abroad Program in Dakar, Senegal. In December, she connected with Theo Bissell ‘17, who also studied abroad in Senegal through a program offered by Colby College during the fall semester. Learn more about both Lizzie and Theo’s experiences abroad by visiting: www.moravianacademy.org/ senegal. (See photo 6 on page 62)

Elisabeth “Betsy” Wilson, former Moravian Academy athletic director and Honorary Alumna, was posthumously inducted into the District XI Hall of Fame for her contributions to female athletics and service to District XI and the PIAA. Read more about Betsy’s career and this honor at www.moravianacademy.org/wilson.

Vanderbilt University senior Erin Danaher ‘16 was recently awarded the 2020 Merrill Moore Prize for Nonfiction. Voted on by Vanderbilt’s creative writing faculty, the award is presented to a graduating senior selected on the basis of “literary promise.” JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

DEATHS Marjorie Turner Almy ‘38P, of Colorado Springs, CO, passed away on November 20, 2019. Diana Miller Bloem ‘64S, of Lake Barrington, IL, passed away on January 12, 2020. Leslie Ann Holmes ’87, of The Villages, FL, passed away on September 1, 2019.

In Memoriam Alice Wheaton Mumbauer ’55P (pictured second from left) with family

In 1946, Alice Wheaton Mumbauer ‘55P began the school year at Moravian Preparatory School as a fourth grader, the first year of a long association with the school as a student and teacher. She graduated in 1955 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Kutztown University. Alice began her teaching career when she was just fifteen years old, as a dance and ballet instructor at the Renninger Sisters School of Dance in Allentown. She also trained at the Baum School of Art as a teenager and in 1958, while a senior at Kutztown University, returned there to teach drawing for 10 years. In 1962, she became a part-time art and dance teacher at the Preparatory School. After the merger to form Moravian Academy, she taught crafts at the Upper School as well as art classes to Lower School students. In 1972, she returned to the Church Street Campus to teach art to Lower and Middle School students. Wanting more time to pursue her own career as an artist and craftswoman, in 1984 she transitioned to a part-time art teacher in the Middle School. Describing her career as “keeping ahead of the pupils,” she often taught herself a new craft that students wanted to learn or signed up for classes to learn from local artists. Her time outside of the classroom was spent developing her own

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

craftmanship, and she soon decided to market her pieces of decorative sculpture, centerpieces and ornaments. Her ceramic work in particular – earthenware ceramic planters and flower pots representing animals and wildlife – were in great demand at craft shows throughout the country. She stated, “It started out to be something I did in the basement to cover up or disguise unattractive plastic plant pots.” She was the illustrator for friend and colleague Joyce Gilmore’s book, The Erwinna Witches and Other Stories. (see profile page 28). Many of the book’s drawings feature backgrounds drawn from photographs the pair took of various sites in Erwinna, PA. A former artists’ model, choreographer, ballerina and creator of theater design, she had a life-long passion for dance. According to her family, Alice could be found on the dance floor almost every night of the week, even after a stroke took most of her sight. Alice’s son, William Hazzard ’80, who began at Prep in 1965, shared that the family had deep ties to the Church Street campus. Verna Peters Wheaton, Alice’s mother, started a nursery program at Prep in the 50’s, taught kindergarten and retired as a fifth grade teacher. Her father, Albert, taught math in the summer program at Prep.

Kenneth A. Kirchhofer, of Baltimore, MD, passed away on January 5, 2020. He taught Ancient and Medieval History at the Upper School and served as director of the Illick Dormitory from 1985 until 1991. George S. Lane, Jr. ’77, of Bath, PA, passed away February 12, 2018. Harriet Seebald MacDonald ’43S, of Allentown, PA, passed away on December 4, 2019. Rev. H. August Kuehl ’40P, of Deer Isle, ME, passed away on January 16, 2019. Barbara “Bobbe” Kins Margolis ’45S, of Allentown, PA, passed away on February 7, 2020. She was the mother of Dr. James K. Margolis ’71 and grandmother of Michael D. Margolis ’07, Rebecca L. Margolis ’08, and Daniel R. Margolis ’11. Barbara was the widow of Attorney Robert Margolis, Honorary Alumnus and former Chair of the Board of Trustees. Alice Wheaton Mumbauer ’55P, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on January 12, 2020. (See memorial on left) Patricia Krolik Nebinger ’49S, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on November 3, 2019.

NEW ALUMNI BOARD MEMBER: GIOVANNI CASTRO ‘98 Giovanni Castro ‘98 currently resides in Middlesex, NJ with his wife, Melony, and their three children, Leyla, Giovanni, and Eva. He was born and raised in the lower east side of NYC. Currently, he has 16 years of experience in the NYC real estate industry including nine years as the principal broker of his own boutique real estate firm and the last seven years at Compass as an associate broker to his exclusive client database focused on syndication investments for multi-family buildings in Brooklyn, NY. Giovanni was one of the last boarding students to attend Moravian Academy. He went on to attend Lehigh University where he met his wife and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in finance. Said Giovanni, “The Moravian Academy faculty and staff prepared me for the vigorous workload at Lehigh University and gave me the tools I needed to be successful in my personal life and career. I strongly believe in living my life in gratitude and I am grateful for Moravian Academy, which is why I decided to join the Alumni board.”

Connect with Alumni & Friends on May 7th, 2020! This is an opportunity for alumni and friends from around the world to come together virtually in recognition of Moravian Academy’s 278th birthday. It’s a great chance to catch up with your classmates and friends. For more details, contact Director of Alumni Relations Tracy Bozik at tbozik@mamail.net JOURNAL | WINTER 2020

Moravian Academy 11 West Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEHIGH VALLEY PA PERMIT #583

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

A Tradition of Excellence. A [VIRTUAL] Culture of Curiosity During our recent transition to virtual school among the COVID-19 pandemic, our teachers have transformed their homes into working spaces and virtual classrooms, some featuring furry friends and small teaching assistants. We canâ€™t thank our faculty members enough for their resilience during this challenging time.