KARUX -- first 20 pages

KARUX 2018-2019

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Mercercersburg Sunrise

HEAD OF SCHOOL | KATIE TITUS MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MERCERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 442 STUDENTS In loving memory of Joe Beauregard ’18 and Marcia Galey

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This 126th edition of the Karux uses the colors of the seasons to inspire memories of your time on our beautiful campus. Nestled in the foothills of the Tuscarora Mountains, we enjoy vistas enhanced by shades of blue and pink in the early mornings and late afternoons, the vibrant greens of our campus after a spring rain, and the autumnal golds and reds of the thousands of trees that line our pathways. But the color you will remember most is a sea of Mercersburg blue, from the ever-evolving school swag to the new signs and flags across campus—the long blue line begins here!

To the Class of 2019: Every class that has walked these halls is unique—based on the individuals that make up the cohort—and your experience is shaped by events that occur at our school and in the world. This year, in particular, forced us to face new challenges in our own community that impacted us all, from mold in the dormitories to the loss of community members to unrelenting weather. With each obstacle, you supported each other, gained perspective, and stayed the course.

In the spring of this year, I asked you to consider, “What are you going to do about it?” This was a call to action, empowering you to take control of your experience and to define the culture of Mercersburg in ways that would bolster and strengthen our school—and it was also meant to have you consider your life beyond this unique place. Regardless of the number of years you spent here as a student, you leave here marked by your experience and forever tied to this community. As you prepare to depart this place you have called home, we hope you will take with you many lessons learned, memories made, and friendships forged. We hope you will return to Old Mercersburg, both in person and in your hearts, ready to share “what you are doing about it” and how you have found ways to lead and serve the world.

Katie Titus March 2019

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Fall.

You remember it in snippets; running to Wednesday and Thursday required dinners fresh out of the shower, slipping on the newly fallen leaves as you trek to your first MAPL soccer game of the season, or waking up the morning after Step Songs only to realize you’ve lost your voice from a night packed full of alumni reunions and school spirit.

Winter.

You remember the coziness and warmth of your room as you wake up on a school morning amidst freezing temperatures and frost outside, your excitement for the commotion that floods the dining hall during the holiday dinner, or the anticipation that captures campus before first snow of the season, when you and your friends buzz around trying to find out if tomorrow will be casual dress.

Spring.

You remember the purple and pink flowers that camouflage the sidewalk as you walk to the dining hall on a shining Sunday morning, the feeling of stillness and serenity as you relax in a hammock doing homework after a long day, or your energy that emerges during a kickball game on Spider Field after a Tuesday night-dinner.

Summer.

You remember taking the posters off your wall as you undergo the first steps toward packing up, the air conditioning that chills the Burgin during the end-of-year school meeting, or the quietness of campus after you watch senior after senior step off the graduation platform.

It is this organic imagery, the seasons, that inspired us in determining the theme for this year’s Karux. While Mercersburg can never be summed up in an infinite amount of pages, or two hundred and fifty seven, it is best represented in its rich and vibrant seasons. Just as Mercersburg cherishes its long-lasting traditions, the seasons are no different. Whether you’ve been here for one year or for one hundred, all students who have ever walked the paths of Mercersburg experience the same nostalgia and intense passion that you are about to feel as you journey through the seasons.

So, as you begin flipping though the pages of this year’s Karux, we ask you to do a few things before you begin: close your eyes, relax, and take a deep breath. Picture yourself: it is the fall of 2018. You are in the midst of meme culture; the revival of 80’s fashion, and snapchat streaks are at their peak.

More importantly, you have found yourself at Mercersburg Academy. Perhaps you are a senior, and already have walked the paths a hundred times over, or maybe you are a ninth grader, eager but frightened about what the next years have in store for you.

Regardless of who you are, your journey starts now.

Let Mother Nature take the lead.

– Meghan Scott and Emma Hicks

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THANK YOU A seemingly thankless job, the 126th edition of the Mercersburg Karux could not have been completed without the hard work and diligence of everyone on the staff. Mr. Owen and Mr. Maurer, thank you for following along every step of the way, providing us with pizza, being expert proofers, and giving us all the tools we needed to make this book what it has become.

An especially immense thank-you to our section editors: Maddie, Jason, Quinton, and Caroline H., for encompassing the quirkiness of the senior class through 80 pages; Caroline D., Henry, and Jay for your adaptability to handle whatever was thrown your way (which was usually a lot); Ipek and Audrey for being so timely and organized; Stapley, Caroline K., and Allison, for always keeping up the staff morale (and eating all the snacks); and Colby, for always being flexible and going with the flow while somehow always staying on task.

A round of applause for Jesse, for without his aesthetic eye the pages of this book would still be blank, and to Addie, for her hard work and concentration in every meeting as well as indexing the book (she really took one for the team). Thank you, Jesse and Addie, for filling everything in between and always being readily available to take on whatever challenges arose. Take this with you. Best of luck with next year’s book.

Lastly, meeting four hours minimum each week, the Karux staff has not only dedicated time and effort to this book, but also creativity and passion, making sure everyone has contributed their own individual inspiration. However, this inspiration–the colors, the photos, the content that fills the pages of this book–are all in thanks to you. Without the spirit and passion that is found in all of you, this book would not not have been possible. Thank you to the Mercersburg community: students, faculty, and staff, for allowing us to fill these pages with the same energy you emanate every day. This is for you.

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Meghan Scott

Emma Hicks

Lee Owen

Matt Maurer

Maddie Schaner

Quinton Reed

Jason Fang

Allison Schuldt

Caroline Dillard

Henry O’Brien

Jay Howley

Ipek Celikoyar

Audrey McGrory

Stapley Curwen

Caroline Kranich

Colby Walker

Jesse Zhang

Addie Jenkins

Madi Norris

Caroline He

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FALL: campus life, people, places, sports

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WINTER: campus life, arts & clubs, sports

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SPRING: campus life, sports

122

SENIOR SPRING: history, senior boxes, advertisements

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FALL CONTENTS Timeline People Faculty Places Sports

Section Editors: Caroline Dillard, Jay Howley, and Henry O’Brien 14-21 Fall - Campus Life.indd 15

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AUGUST “August and September went by really fast. It was all a blur. I just remember it being really wet – it was like a jungle, but in South Central Pennsylvania.”

Mercersburg students ventured to the outer reaches of the continent, traveling abroad to Costa Rica to learn more about the local ecosystems and wildlife, while giving back to the community.

Some students practiced and improved their Spanish speaking skills, while others were a bit confused by the language and may have accidentally spoken French to their host families.

In preparation for new and returning students, student leaders participated in a weekend-long leadership lab. Leaders worked on listening skills, communication, and much more through a number of interactive activities. The “helium” stick activity was a particularly tough challenge that tested the students’ patience.

On August 27, Mercersburg welcomed all new students to campus. Students were eager to jump into the annual Inbound activities. During Inbound, students participated in multiple name games and activities to get to know their classmates.

It wasn’t uncommon to hear students names, grades, and playing the same games throughout the week.

– Colby Walker ’19

Fall

A group of Mercersburg students visited Peru over the summer. During their stay, they spent time dancing and teaching the children. They also experienced the Peruvian culture by visiting the city of Cusco, the famous Machu Picchu, riding horses on the Montaña de Siete Colores Cuzco, shopping in the San Pedro Market, and much more.

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During the year, Mercersburg hosts many students from all over the world. This summer, our students traveled to those same places (including Germany, France, Chile, and China) to fully immerse themselves in the local language, cuisine, and culture over a one-month period. Students in China enjoyed a variety of interesting new foods, including chicken feet, pig’s feet, and fish eyes.

After 17 months of renovation, the new Health and Wellness Center, named after our very own Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, re-opened its doors. Students were excited for the new and updated look.

Shortly after moving in, students met with their PGAs for their first practices of the year. Coaches and instructors greeted their groups and set the stage for the season to come. It didn’t take the newcomers long to adapt and become a part of their teams.

Preseason was filled with multiple practices and meetings making it a busy week for everyone.

As the whole school gathered for the first all-school meeting, Mr. Howes, the Dean of Student Life, introduced the idea of an “All-School Handshake.”

Students and faculty lined up outside the Burgin and proceeded to shake everybody’s hand. Eventually the handshakes developed into high fives and students began to sprint down the line of people.

Luckily, a number of students were well equipped with hand sanitizer.

On August 29, students, faculty, and staff welcomed history teacher and wrestling coach, Nate Jacklin, back from a long summer away.

Sycamore Lane was full of cheers and smiles for Mr. Jacklin and his family upon their arrival.

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SEPTEMBER On September 2, students attended Opening Convocation for the 2018-2019 school year.

This year’s was definitely a hot one, with the Chapel full of over-heated students as Mrs. Rutherford gave a wonderful speech during her final Convocation. She spoke about her love for Mercersburg and the United States, which hit home for many students.

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Clubs set up their booths and readied their pitches to convince students to join their clubs and organizations, offering candy with every signature added to their sign-up. Ms. Hoffman (Trini) brandished a megaphone to help move the process along quickly and efficiently, but that did not work too well.

Students piled into three large school buses to take a day trip to Georgetown in D.C. Students shopped, toured, and ate tons of food in the historic neighborhood. Some stopped by the local psychic and were shocked to see what their future held in store for them. (Spoiler alert: South has mold.)

Boys’ athletes traveled to Kiski to compete in their Centennial Cup rivalry, while the girls visited Madeira for their first-ever rivalry weekend playing to win the “M Cup.” The boys’ soccer team had a bit of a messy game with a large puddle on their field, but still took the win. Girls and boys left for home with their scores on the board and the cups in their hands.

Four-year seniors kicked off their last year at Mercersburg Academy with the Paint the Numbers tradition (or rather, “Paint the Initials”). In this event, the seniors painted their initials and numbers of their graduating class.

It was a night full of confusion, flashlights, and loads of paint.

Students showed off their school spirit in a week full of crazy outfits and fierce competition. Students rocked their finest Hawaiian shirts, pajamas, and retro looks.

Students also competed in dodgeball, window painting, and penny wars throughout the lively week. On Tuesday, students and faculty were seeing double as campus was filled with people in matching outfits and attire on twin day.

With Spirit Week coming to an end and Family and Alumni Weekend beginning, students’ families participated in their classes, and alumni caught up with students.

The entire weekend kicked off with Step Songs led by alumnus Thomas Vickery and members of this year’s Sixth Man, followed by a marshy bonfire, which took two bottles of lighter fluid to ignite.

Students surrounded the event with full hearts and loud swelling cheers.

Fall

Students eagerly jumped into the new academic year. With schedules in hand and new classes to start, they were overjoyed to see what friends were in their new classes, but less excited to see their first night of homework posted on Schoology!

The first dance was filled with Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts as students busted out their dance moves for the tropical-themed party to kick off the new school year. Senior Jake Furigay showed off his new school supplies as he took selfies with a TI-81 graphing calculator.

Teachers and faculty, including Mr. and Mrs. Titus, dressed up and hid all around campus in an extreme version of hide and seek.

The students banded together to try and find their hidden teachers, especially English teacher Mr. Maurer, who takes pride in the fact that he has never been found in 15 years of participation!

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OCTOBER “Even though the mold situation put a bit of a damper on things, I still love October and November because we get to decorate and dress up for Halloween, and then we get to go home and eat turkey.”

Stony Batter presented its first show of the year. Stop Kiss, which had a cast of six actors testing their theatrical capabilities in the fall term’s black-box theater production. The play was set in New York City during the 1990’s and touched on modern day issues in the LGBTQIA community.

While 10th and 11th graders took the PSAT, seniors enjoyed pancakes in the dining hall while working on their college applications.

Ninth graders took a day trip with their peer groups to Cowan’s Gap, where they played games and enjoyed hot chocolate and warm apple cider. (This sure beat the fire alarm going off twice during the PSAT!)

Members of the Board of Regents joined students and faculty on campus for several meetings. Students hosted the Board during lunch, and the Board also attended special events during their stay.

Rod Hissong, owner of Mercer Vu Farms, came to campus to address the students about his views on immigration. He spoke about his experience with foreign workers and the impact they have on him and his business. He spoke on his experiences within the ever-turbulent dairy and agriculture industry.

– Chantler Newton ’21

Fall

Students were informed that multiple dorms would have to pack up and move out because of mold. South Cottage was first on the list, followed by Swank.

They took all the things off their walls, packed up their belongings, and moved into faculty houses to start on what was expected to be a twoweek adventure.

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World-renowned poet, writer, and mental-health advocate Hakeem Rahim came to campus to speak to students about self-care, mental health, and his life story.

It was followed by a workshop with students and faculty. In his talk, he spoke about his experience as a Harvard scholar and cheerleader.

He mainly talked about his experiences dealing with mental health throughout his life.

The students who stayed on campus over Long Fall Weekend had the opportunity to travel to New York City. While there, they shopped, saw shows, and ate lots of food. Students spread throughout the whole city to cover every corner of the Big Apple.

Stony Batter unveiled its second production of the year with She Kills Monsters, directed by Mrs. Dowling and Mr. Maurer. The play was about a woman, played

by Paige Cromwell, who loses her sister in a car crash and the only way to keep in touch with her is through her Dungeons and Dragons campaign. The show had the audience enthralled with a unique mixture of action and comedy.

The weekend before Halloween was full of lots of spooky fun. On Friday, students gathered in the Edwards room for a showing of Insidious 3 and on Saturday, students headed over to Fowle for the Fowle-O-Ween dance. On Sunday, students wrapped up the weekend by dressing up and trick-or-treating between dorms. Some costumes included Mr. Howes, John Cena, and Damien from Mean Girls.

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NOVEMBER The girls’ soccer team clinched the IPSL championship for the second year in a row against St. James.

The Blue Storm won 2-1 and had quite the student section cheering them on.

Mercersburg students were not going to let the St. James or Goretti student section show them up.

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This year’s Fall Dance Concert was nothing short of amazing.

Dancers performed to songs by Michael Bublé and Billie Eilish. They definitely got the whole audience’s attention with the finale, “Level Up,” which was a mashup of multiple pop and rap songs that everyone enjoyed.

Students took a break from studying to attend the Mercersburg Fall Pops Concert. Octet, (otherwise known as Octet XL this year), performed their classics, such as: “Good Ol’ A Cappella” and “De Animals.” Magalia premiered this year with a nuanced take on a cappella, using instruments to bolster their already stupendous performance. The show ended with a rendition of “Africa” by Toto, encouraging the audience to sing and clap along.

Fall exams came quickly this year. Students (well, most) spent the weekend studying and preparing for the grueling week ahead.

The weekend and week were made a bit easier with provided snack nights.

One night ice cream was served, and another featured nachos. Students pushed through the week knowing that they would soon be home.

As a snowstorm approached, the academic office decided to move exams up an hour earlier so students could leave safely before the snow. However, as students glanced out the window during their exams they were surprised at the amount of snow beginning to fall.

Unfortunately, some students could not get to the airport and were stuck overnight in the dorms. They got out Friday morning and returned home safely to begin their Thanksgiving break.

Students returned to campus refreshed and ready to begin the winter term. They came back Monday night and began classes on Tuesday. Mrs. Titus gave the opening speech in the Chapel where she talked about being grateful and challenged all of the students to be grateful for two words: winter break. She also read from old Blue Books. A bit different than what we are used to, but they still had the same message.

The Mercersburg Boys’ Varsity Basketball team hosted six other schools over the first weekend in the winter term to compete in the “Stuff the Basket” tournament. Highspirited students filled the bleachers from top to bottom for the charity event, as the teams went head to head in competition to win the tournament. At the end of the event, ninth graders Duncan Besch and Evan Howley got a much needed break from warming the bench, and finally got to show the school what they could do!

Fall

After two straight school meetings that covered the topic of immigration, the next school meeting was a bit different. Students were assigned to groups and during the meeting time met with their peers and faculty to talk about the issue. Students shared their views, opinions, and their experiences with immigration. Some talked about its relevance to us by having discussions and group conversations, while others drew and expressed their opinions through art.

Joining us on campus for yet another great performance was mind reader Robert Channing. He put on quite the show, which had students involved and a bit unsettled. He impressed everyone with his skills of reading minds while blindfolded and his ability to know what everyone was thinking, or what participants had written down.

Students were definitely entertained and left the performance with quite a few questions.

10th grade students from two sections of Honors English worked on building dystopian workshops throughout the term and opened them up for the public to attend. Workshops were very creative; some included match making, crafting propaganda, movie making, and an escape room. Students and faculty took a dive into the dystopian genre and had a fun experience while doing so.

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FALL’S BEST OF INSTA

@hazel_yonke we on the same wavelength as the Beatles on Abbey Road

@ipekcelikoyar 4 years with my best friends #nothingbutlove #initials

@_kdoyle never too late, luv my gal pals

@camilledsmith Cheers to Wimbeldon Wednesday!

@jessecbroyles i love my friends

@dylan.gntt Certified and ready to save lives

@julia_borger Bye fall term

@williamrgan so I guess I’m a junior now?

Fall

@bryce_mitchell_ filling the pool with yellow gelatin would be cash money -Andrew

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@aicherhearon My elite athleticism is finally getting me places. Good work boys. #isi #managementszn

@nicole_treml_101 I had a spoon in my shirt the whole time we took pictures #winningpeergroup

@anabelleooo homie #roomie

@anna_mele19 Had to switch it up #godance

@thelauraschumacher A good golf partner is one who is a little bit worse than you are.

@christoophi Thanks for letting me pet ur dogs Coleman

@pablogarza__ we take it world wide

@cweibley It’s happening!!! #0days #weibleywedding #finallyweibley

@kateprentiss and we’re back for year 2

Fall 21

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