Mercersburg Magazine - Summer 2020 by Mercersburg Academy

SUMMER 2020

Did You Know? Mercersburg alumni are out there on the front lines, fighting back against COVID-19 to keep their communities safe. Read about five of these health

FEATURES

care professionals in this issue.

36 Mercersburg Connected Understanding the new normal brought on by COVID-19 as seen through the eyes of students, faculty, and staff

47 Leadership Changes Honoring Debbie Simon â&#x20AC;&#x2122;74, president of the Board of Regents, as she prepares to pass the torch

50 Salute to Our Retirees Bidding farewell to Sue Malone, Richard Rotz, and Jeff Goetz

NTS

Editor: Megan Mallory Contributors: Jenny Bell ’17, Ryan Bland ’21, Chelsea Seaby Bruno ’21, Avery Cook, Anna Crouch, Kelly Dowling, Clara Getty ’21, Jack Hawbaker, Lauren Hoffman, Grace Lewis ’20, Tyler Miller, Lee Owen, Michele Poacelli, Zally Price, Debbie Simon ’74, Doug Smith, Jillian Wilkerson, Carolyn Yeager, Jesse Zhang ’20 Design: Mid-Atlantic Media Cover Art and p. 3 Illustration: Tristan Chace Head of School: Katie Titus Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications: Amy Marathe Associate Head of School for External Relations: Quentin McDowell Mercersburg Academy magazine is published by the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications. Magazine correspondence: mallorym@mercersburg.edu Class Notes correspondence: classnotes@mercersburg.edu Alumni correspondence/change of address: alumni@mercersburg.edu 800-588-2550 Read us online: mercersburg.edu/magazine © Copyright 2020 Mercersburg Academy. All rights reserved. No content from this publication may be reproduced or reprinted in any form without the express written consent of Mercersburg Academy.

Mercersburg Academy abides by both the spirit and the letter of the law in all its employment and admission policies. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or national or ethnic origin.

Look for this image throughout the magazine to indicate additional photos, videos, and other content online at mercersburg.edu/magazine.

DEPARTMENTS 2 Head of School

10 A Mercersburg Moment

31 Alumni Life

3 Core Values

12 Student Activities

57 Class Notes

4 Social Media 5 Living the Values

Infographic

80 From the Archives

13 Campus Life News Briefs / Irving-Marshall Recap / Athletics / Commencement

SUMMER 2020

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Embracing Liminal Space

hen I arrived at Mercersburg four years ago, I experienced an authentic paradoxical reality—I felt welcomed fully by the community with the trademark Mercersburg spirit and I was existing in a liminal space that challenged me in real ways. I also know there

were members of the Mercersburg community who keenly felt the uncertainty of that transition as well, knowing that there was much happening with the installation of the seventh head of school, but not knowing exactly what that meant for the future of Mercersburg. Liminal spaces can, paradoxically, be unnerving while also critically important. It is a time when uncertainty generates possibility, challenging the norms and habits that may not always be healthy or good. In these past four years, we have come through that liminal space and emerged, at least for me, committed to each other and to the future of Mercersburg. And yet, our country is experiencing layers of liminal space that have forced us to confront

Let us embrace the possibilities of this liminal space we find ourselves in, so

some important brutal facts, and perhaps enact real change. The two I immediately reference are divisive and complex, and not wholly distinct from each other—the coronavirus pandemic and systemic racism. And the divisive nature of these crises highlights a third liminal space for our country—a political landscape that promotes and deepens that divide. As an educator and head of school, I have spent many restless nights contemplating our role as a school in these national crises, and in each, I come back to our students. To use our mission, we are focused on helping them “develop a determination to lead and serve the world.” And if you add our core values as the lens through which we inspire our students to lead and serve, then we can all have hope

that when we get to

for a future which may seem uncertain.

a place of deepened

always follow a party line, and I also know which issues will drive my vote. I also believe in our

clarity, we are proud

obligation to do so—but that we should do so in ways that are rooted in respect. With a presidential

of our progress and

an energized awakening to systemic racism, at Mercersburg we commit to leaning into the

hopeful for what

to understand our history in order to build our future, and to challenging our students to model the

lies ahead.

space we find ourselves in, so that when we get to a place of deepened clarity, we are proud of our

I have never been a deeply political person. I know where I stand on issues, which does not democracy and the concept that we can disagree and challenge each other—and frankly, have an election in the coming months, ongoing uncertainty related to the coronavirus outbreak, and discomfort of these complex issues with our trademark courageous conversations, to endeavoring future we wish to see for our country and our world. Let us embrace the possibilities of this liminal progress and hopeful for what lies ahead.

Katherine M. Titus P ’20, ’23 Head of School

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

Core Values Lofty Ideals We welcome and accept all in the tradition of our egalitarian spirit, expecting everyone to contribute fully to our community and to the world with imagination, gratitude, and love.

Great Faith We believe in cultivating a faith in self (confidence); in others (trust); and in the future (hope).

Noble Integrity We build strength of character that inspires generosity, authenticity, and responsibilityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; when no one is looking and when everyone is looking.

Ceaseless Devotion to a Mighty Task We nurture the desire to dream, the courage to persevere, and the will to achieve.

SUMMER 2020

SOCIAL MEDIA

CMYK / .eps

/mercersburgacademy

@mercersburg

@mburgalumni

Have you heard about The Quarantine Chronicles? This student-run online publication serves as an all-encompassing record book

Although members of Mercersburg’s Photography Club can’t meet on campus, they are still connecting through their shared love of photography. Enjoy collages compiled by

As part of our new virtual events, Tonya Rutherford ’90, founding president of Mercersburg’s Black Student Union, and Selas Douglas, history faculty, led a discussion about

Anna Deavers ’21 with photographs from 24 club members. As Selina Xue ’20, club president, explains, “We started this project to continue regular club activities while being away, to use art as an effective distraction in this stressful time, and to encourage our peers to record the little moments during the quarantine.”

the documentary The Prep School Negro (directed by André Robert Lee). Conversations explored how experiences for students of color at private institutions have shifted or remained consistent over the years and how they are shaped by racism, present-day realities, and current events in the United States.

of the voices of the Mercersburg Academy community during this unique period in history. Created by Alexa Marsh ’21, the website encourages creative expression as a method for coping with the chaos of the times and aspires to serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the larger Academy community. Check it out: mburgquarantinechronicles.weebly.com

@katietitushos /mburgalumni

If you’re looking for something to listen to while at home, why not check out some tunes from fellow alumni? Music is good for your brain and your soul; plus, it will lift us up during these trying times. Today’s #MercersburgMusician is Rich Katz ’83, playing the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” from their 1965 album “Rubber Soul.” Check Rich’s YouTube channel (bit.ly/3dBEoFn) on Fridays for new songs! Are you an alum and a musician? Send us your video or audio to share!

#virtualburg #facultymeeting These people are amazing!

@mercersburg

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

CMYK / .eps

The Class of 2020 sings the school’s Alma Mater with “full hearts and loud swelling cheers!”

Mercersburg’s Instagram activity grew throughout this year, especially during the spring as a result of COVID-19. Be sure to check out all of our accounts! Academy Award-winning actor Benicio Del Toro ’85 (who spoke at Mercersburg’s Commencement in 2018) shares a special video message with the Mercersburg Class of 2020.

/mercersburg1893

@mburgburgin @bluestormreport @mburgsac

@mburggreenteam @mburgglobal @mburgsummer

Denise Dalton, director of dance, and her Performance Group Activity dancers used video and well-executed choreography to stitch together an entire performance with 17 dancers in 17 different locations. The final product is a tribute to Mercersburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior dance students and can be viewed on our website.

Living the

VALUES SUMMER 2020

LIVING THE VALUES

LIVING MERCERSBURG’S VALUES DURING COVID-19

his section of the magazine highlights individuals in our community who are living Mercersburg’s values as outlined in our strategic design: lofty ideals, great faith, noble integrity, and a ceaseless devotion to a mighty task. For this issue, we asked students,

faculty, and staff to nominate individuals who have stepped up in extra ways to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about each of these individuals on Mercersburg’s website, and thank you to everyone who has gone above and beyond to help others during this unusual time.

for more about these individuals

#CeaselessDevotion DAN WALKER As the grade dean for the Class of 2020, it was Dan Walker’s job to support the seniors from the start of the school year right through Commencement. When COVID-19 moved the spring term online, Walker turned to humor as one way to keep the seniors connected. He started an interview series on Instagram called “Some Good Mercersburg News” where he would ask seniors questions via a recorded video chat, have a few laughs, endure good-natured teasing about his quarantine mustache, and then end on a serious note: What do you miss most right now? Outside of the interviews, Walker maintained connection with the seniors by meeting regularly with the Student Council and the Senior Class Council to ensure that what mattered most to them—like experiencing the Moving Up Ceremony—could still happen in our new virtual world. He also tried to personally call as many seniors as he could. “Mr. Walker’s enthusiasm and positive attitude have been infectious during the virtual term,” says Jack Kothari ’20, vice president of the Senior Class Council. “As the grade dean for the senior class, he has advocated for and supported us during this uncertain and difficult time. He has pursued innovative ideas like ‘Some Good Mercersburg News’ and has certainly been devoted to giving the seniors the best experience possible.”

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

LIVING THE VALUES

#GreatFaith RILEY WICK ’20 When Mercersburg’s spring term moved online, Riley Wick ’20 opened her home in Virginia to United Kingdom resident Zoe Gooch ’20. “I was scheduled to go to her house during spring break; then COVID-19 hit and she generously allowed me to stay with her for as long as I needed,” Gooch explains. “I had nowhere to go, and she took me under her wing.” When it came time for Gooch to return to the U.K., Wick and her family helped Gooch retrieve her passport from Mercersburg and secure a seat on one of the last flights out of Dulles International Airport. “Even after I left to fly home, she continued to FaceTime me and keep in touch to make sure I was all right,” Gooch says. “She has been really good at trying to keep a positive attitude and help others whenever she can with how they are feeling.” Mercersburg Academy extends a huge thank-you to every student and family who hosted others during this spring term!

#NobleIntegrity COLEMAN WEIBLEY Coleman Weibley is always willing to lend a helping hand, even when he’s not asked. So when the COVID-19 crisis began to affect Mercersburg’s students, Weibley didn’t hesitate to step up and help out. The school needed faculty members to stay on campus over spring break to support a small group of students who couldn’t fly home due to pandemic-related travel disruptions. Weibley (who lives in Tippetts Hall) coordinated everything needed to provide for those students. “Being stuck on campus with a small group of people when everyone else gets to go home was pretty emotionally and mentally taxing on them,” he says. “Being able to accommodate them was my first priority. I kept thinking, ‘If my kid was stuck on campus and couldn’t come home, what would I want someone to be doing for them?’” When it became clear that school would not reopen right away following spring break, Weibley also ensured that travel arrangements were put in place so that every student still on campus could return to their home country safely.

SUMMER 2020

LIVING THE VALUES

#LoftyIdeals MAGGIE BETKOWSKI ’21 AND ROSE POTTER ’21 Maggie Betkowski ’21 of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and Rose Potter ’21 of Middleburg, Virginia, both have a knack for helping people, and they both consider Mercersburg home. In response to the challenges brought on by COVID-19, they each organized a fundraiser to support Mercersburg and surrounding communities. Betkowski raised money for the Maranatha Food Pantry, and Potter raised funds to buy Romeo’s gift cards for first responders in the Mercersburg area.

“Starting a fundraiser was a way for me to fill my time and do something productive for the community and help as many people as I could, especially since now is such a hard time and the Borough of Mercersburg is an area that really does struggle with food insecurity.” —Maggie Betkowski

“Mercersburg is such a small town, and it is always on my mind how the small businesses like Romeo’s and One North—the places students love so much and go to a lot and I’m sure are a big part of their business—what happens to those companies when we aren’t on campus? I was trying to brainstorm a way that I could support their business while still being an hour and a half away.” —Rose Potter 8

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

#MightyTask SARAH BOZZI Faculty member Sarah Bozzi has been sewing all her life. So perhaps it is no surprise that when the Mercersburg Academy community found itself on lockdown and moving to online learning for the spring term, Bozzi pulled out her sewing machine. “I just needed to do something,” she says. “I think we were all—especially at the very beginning—feeling very lost and wondering: How can I actually help other than sitting in my house?” Bozzi created masks in all different shapes, sizes, and materials. By the time she packed up her mask-making operation for the summer, she had produced roughly 200 masks for the community.

Thank you to faculty member Dave Holzwarth ’78 and staff member Will Dupuis for turning their 3D-printing skills into a tool to aid essential workers during the pandemic. Each of them began printing surgical mask straps for medical professionals and other essential workers in the Mercersburg area. When someone is wearing a surgical mask, these straps alleviate pressure on the back of the ear and reduce the elastic band’s abrasiveness.

Turn to the Alumni Life section of this issue to meet several health care professionals in our alumni community who are living Mercersburg’s values every Dave Holzwarth ’78

day in order to make life better for others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Will Dupuis

SUMMER 2020

A MERCERSBURG MOMENT We salute the 123 members of the Class of 2020. You are in our hearts, and we wish you well as our newest Mercersburg alumni!

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2020

2019-2020 MERCERSBURG STUDENT ACTIVITIES BY THE NUMBERS

104

on-Campus events

Events and activities before COVID-19

professional Performer Visits

212

top 3 activities

adult chaperones

100+

Haunted House in Main Hall Keil Hall Dance Mind Reader Robert Channing

helpers

208

297

Read more about Leslie on page 79.

to the diversity, equity, and inclusion work ahead,” says Head of School Katie Titus. The idea for this scholarship originated

SUMMER 2020

CAMPUS LIFE

Students Recognized for Art, Writing Achievements Two Mercersburg students

me,” he says. “Also, working with Mrs. Pixler

received recognition in the 2020

is always very interesting. Throughout the

National Scholastic Art and

process of putting the portfolio together, I

Writing Awards. Lian Wang ’21,

learned a lot from her, and I am very grateful

of Hong Kong, China, received

for her support.”

a National Silver Medal for

Getty says she was originally unsure

her poem “On the Heat of My

about submitting to the awards program

Tongue,” and Jesse Zhang ’20

because she wasn’t feeling confident about

of Beijing, China, earned a

the piece. “I was worried the judges wouldn’t

National Silver Medal in the 2020

get it,” Getty says. “I was excited to be

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

recognized regionally, and then surprised

for his art portfolio. Additionally,

and ecstatic to be honored on a national

Clara Getty 21, of Allentown,

level. It’s still crazy to me that something

Pennsylvania, received a Gold

so simple as a banana sculpture can be so

Key at the regional level as well

highly regarded!” Arts faculty member Syd Caretti says

as an American Visions Award nomination for her sculpture

that she’s always excited to see how and with

“Banana Pietà.” A total of 36

what Clara will respond in the studio. “While

works by Mercersburg students

at first a humorous visual representation

earned recognition at the national

of the Pietà, Clara harnessed the current charged subject of a banana duct-taped to the

or regional levels. “‘On the Heat of My Tongue’

wall at Art Basel [“Comedian” by Maurizio

“Prayer” by Jesse Zhang ’20

Cattelan] and pushed the evolution to a

is a sophisticated expression of how it feels to straddle multiple

refined interpretation of a classical subject,”

Zhang qualified for the national

languages and cultures,” says Michele

competition after receiving a Gold Key

Caretti explains. “She aptly portrayed the

Poacelli, an English faculty member and

in the Regional Scholastic Awards.

ripening stages of the bananas to depict

director of the Writing Center. “Language can

“Jesse is an incredible photographer;

mother and son. This maturity of visual

be a connector, but it can also be a source of

his passion for the work, his personal drive to

expression is rare at this level and so fun

alienation. Lian masterfully crafts the English

excel, and his limitless work ethic have been

to witness.”

language to grapple with this complex theme.

the perfect recipe to produce

It is a poem deserving of national recognition,

this level of achievement,” says

and we’re thrilled it will appear in the 2020

Kristen Pixler, a member of the

edition of Blue Review, of which she is the

arts faculty and a photography

co-literary editor.”

instructor at Mercersburg. “To

Wang says that reading the works of past

win a Silver Medal for a portfolio

and present Scholastic winners is humbling

is quite an honor but one that is

and inspiring. “It is an immense honor to

clearly well-deserved.”

now be recognized among these talented

Zhang says he is honored

writers across the country,” Wang says.

to be recognized at the national

“Through my writing, I share parts of my

level for his art portfolio. “The

identity and experiences, so to be recognized

work in the portfolio spans

with a national award shows that my message

across many years and many

has been received by judges and successfully

places I have been, so the stories

conveyed what I tried to say.”

were particularly meaningful to

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

“Banana Pietà” by Clara Getty ’21

Peggy Orenstein Gives Jacobs Residency Lecture

Mykee Fowlin

Joe Beauregard ’18

Inaugural Beauregard School Meeting Features Mykee Fowlin Psychologist, performer, and poet Dr. Michael “Mykee” Fowlin was the featured presenter at the inaugural Joseph Hilliard Beauregard ’18 Memorial Generosity of Spirit School Meeting, which was held in February in the Burgin Center for the Arts’ Simon Theatre. The event honors the memory of Beauregard, who attended Mercersburg for three years and graduated with the Class of 2018. He passed away in October 2018 during his freshman year at the Savannah College of Art and Design; the speaker series has been established in his memory and with an eye toward furthering an ongoing and powerful message of recognition, respect, and caring that were a part of Joe’s life. The series will be held on an annual basis. In an emotional and inspirational presentation, Fowlin spoke from his own experiences as a mental-health professional and simply as a human being who has battled depression and anxiety for much of his life. “If the only people who talk about oppression are those who are being oppressed, nothing will ever change,” said Fowlin, who spoke about the concepts of individuality versus group identity and the danger of labels and stereotypes created by society. “Your story cannot be replaced; you cannot walk in anyone else’s shoes except your own.” Fowlin was introduced at the school meeting by Mercersburg alum Cole Kissam ’18, a close friend of Beauregard’s and a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. “This series is for all the future Mercersburg students who, sadly, will never be able to experience Joe’s passion and generosity,” Kissam says. “We’re honoring Joe by doing our best to continue to share his spirit with others, just as he shared himself with us. As a friend of Joe’s, it means that while his body won’t be back to Mercersburg to laugh with us, his spirit will always be here, urging us forward and toward a truer self we didn’t know we could be.” “Joe was a family member to us, and having an event to honor his memory is indescribable,” says fellow classmate and friend Shayan Ghodsi ’18, who is attending Northwestern University. “Personally, though, I feel as though I’ve kept an unsaid promise, because I know that if the tables were turned, Joe would do the same for me. It was his nature to be so kind, so I’m just proud to be doing what he would have done.” As a student at Mercersburg, Beauregard was active in Stony Batter Players, a member of his Class Council and the diving and track & field teams, and a declaimer for the John Marshall Literary Society. The fund supporting the speaker series was established by his classmates and his parents, Kristin and

Author and speaker Peggy Orenstein delivered the Jacobs Residency Lecture in February in the Simon Theatre. The event was part of the 2019-2020 Monday Evening Lecture Series. Orenstein is a New York Times best-selling author whose books include Don’t Call Me Princess, Girls & Sex, Cinderella Ate My Daughter, and Waiting for Daisy as well as Flux: Women on Sex, Work, Kids, Love and Life in a Half-Changed World, and the classic SchoolGirls: Young Women, Self-Esteem, and the Confidence Gap. Her latest, Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity, was released in January 2020. While on campus, Orenstein met with students and faculty members, including the Women’s Activist Club, and hosted a Q&A and book signing following the lecture. She returned to Mercersburg after previously speaking at a school meeting in spring 2017. Girls & Sex was offered as part of Mercersburg’s Summer Reading Challenge in 2016. The Jacobs Residency Lecture is endowed in memory of John Alfred Morefield, the father of John Morefield ’52 and Fred Morefield ’53, in recognition of Wilmarth I. Jacobs, the school’s former assistant headmaster and director of admission (1915 to 1962), who personified a strong quality of non-elitism.

David Beauregard of Richmond, Virginia.

SUMMER 2020

CAMPUS LIFE

Academy Commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, Mercersburg Academy students and faculty took time over the course of several days to participate Kristy Higby meets with students to answer questions at a brown bag lunch following the screening of her film Cornie.

in activities and conversations related to history and identity. This year’s commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day took place as Mercersburg explored the theme of diversity, equity, and inclusion and celebrated three milestones in the school’s history: 55 years of black student integration, 50 years of coeducation, and 30 years since the founding of the Black Student Union. Activities began when Kristy Higby, who along with her husband Mark Flowers retired from the arts department at Mercersburg in 2014 after 23 years, shared her film Cornie, which she produced in 2007 while working at the Academy.

Students watch the documentary The Prep School Negro in the Burgin Center for the Arts’ Simon Theatre.

Cornie chronicles local Mercersburg resident Robert L. Watson, painting a vivid picture of the life of an African-American in the 20th century. On Martin Luther King Day itself, students viewed the documentary film The Prep School Negro, which explores the impact that attending an elite prep school had on its director, André Robert Lee. At the conclusion of the documentary, At the conclusion of The Prep School Negro, students break into small groups to explore the themes addressed in the film, specifically how race, privilege, and power shape our school systems and affect the experience of individuals within them.

students broke into small groups to explore the themes addressed in the film, specifically how race, privilege, and power shape our school systems and affect the experience of individuals within them. Related events concluded that evening. Students had the opportunity to learn more about what the Academy was like in the 1960s when Tom Leslie ’66, Mercersburg’s first black graduate, attended the school; Leslie’s classmate Charlie Guy ’65 hosted a dinner for interested students. Guy overlapped with Leslie and has dedicated the last several months to celebrating Leslie’s legacy

Charlie Guy ’65 speaks about his memories of his classmate Tom Leslie ’66, Mercersburg’s first black graduate.

by gathering classmates’ memories to create a fuller picture of Leslie’s time at Mercersburg. (In the spring, Mercersburg seniors Aba Sankah ’20, Campbell Prentiss ’20, and Peter Polega ’20 created a documentary film about Leslie as their Springboard capstone project.)

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

CAMPUS LIFE

Mercersburg in New York City In January, Mercersburg Academy hosted Courageous Conversations: Celebrating 50 Years of Coeducation in New York City to bring alumni, parents, students, faculty, and friends of the school together to honor this important milestone in the school’s history. Attendees participated in two “classes” and were treated to spoken-word performances by Isonah Ngouabe Dlodlo ’22 and a dance performance by Riley Wick ’20. Many other students took part in the event and artwork from the 2019 Summer Reading program was on display. Visit Mercersburg’s website to see additional photos, enjoy a video highlight of the event, and watch interviews from students and faculty about what it’s like to be at Mercersburg now compared to 50 years ago.

SUMMER 2020

CAMPUS LIFE

MARSHALL

DECLAMATION WINNERS • First place and winner of the Scoblionko Declamation Cup: Irving’s Will Maurer ’20 • Second place: Marshall’s Eliza DuBose ’20 • Third place: Marshall’s Clara Getty ’21 • Strongest Declamation team overall: The Marshall quintet of DuBose, Getty, Chris Adams ’20, Amelia Page ’21, and Manny Ponce ’23

SOCIETY PRESIDENTS • Addie Jenkins ’20 (Irving) • Annaliesse Cantera ’20 (Marshall)

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

IRVING

SUMMER 2020

CAMPUS LIFE

Winter Athletic Notes The Winter 2020 MESPY Awards recognized excellence across Mercersburg’s 10 winter sports offerings. Those recognized included Ava Hull ’21 (girls’ basketball) and Aurelius Dunbar ’20 (wrestling) as female and male recipients of the Best Performance Award; Hannah King ’23 (girls’ indoor track & field) and Chris Watson ’22 (boys’ basketball) with the Breakthrough Athlete Award; Diego Morgan ’20 (wrestling) with the Athletic Leadership Award; and Jim Malone (basketball) with the Excellence in Coaching Award. It was another banner year for Mercersburg’s teams at the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships; the Blue Storm boys’ second-place finish was their highest since its most recent Easterns title in 2010, and the Storm girls came in fifth to post their fifth-consecutive top-six finish. Jake Evert ’20 set school records in the boys’ 50-yard freestyle (20.19) and 100-yard freestyle (44.66).

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

CAMPUS LIFE

James Colwell ’20 was the first Mercersburg athlete since 2015 to compete at the Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Association Indoor Championships. He qualified (and lowered his own school record of 8.53) in the boys’ 60-meter hurdles. Colwell also set school records in the 55m hurdles (7.90) and as a member of the 4x400m relay team (along with Sean Fiscus ’20, Jasper Dittmar ’21, and Berklee Cohen ’20/3:39.86). Colwell (55m hurdles), Addie Geitner ’21 (girls’ 1600m), and Foday Bangura ’22 (boys’ triple jump) won Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association individual titles, with Colwell and Geitner earning MidAtlantic Prep League titles. Along with Colwell and the boys’ 4x400m quartet, other new school record holders include Grace Lewis ’20 (girls’ triple jump, 34’ 3”), Hannah King ’23 (girls’ high jump, 5’ 0”), and Prithvi Kota ’21 (boys’ high jump, tied the school record of 6’ 0”).

SUMMER 2020

CAMPUS LIFE

The boys’ basketball team posted 17 wins (its best effort since 2006) and reached the semifinals of the MAPL Tournament and the PAISAA quarterfinals. The Storm girls’ basketball squad reached double-digit victories for the second-straight year. All-MAPL selections included AJ Gray ’20, Quintin Metcalf ’20, and Kaylen Oweh ’20 (boys) and Zoe Gooch ’20 (girls).

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

Other notes: Aurelius Dunbar ’20 (page 25) became just the fifth athlete in Mercersburg wrestling history to place three times at the National Prep Wrestling Championships; he was joined by fellow qualifiers Alex Forrester ’23 and Aiden Lorson ’22 at National Preps… the boys’ squash team advanced to the finals of its draw at the 2020 HEAD U.S. Squash High School Nationals… Mercersburg’s boys’ and girls’ teams claimed the multisport Centennial Cup (boys, over Kiski) and M Cup (girls, over Madeira) competitions… four-year varsity letterwinners from the winter season included Dunbar (wrestling) and Gooch, Megan List ’20, and Natalie Titus ’20 (girls’ basketball).

20 in ’20: Athletes Headed to College Programs CAMPUS LIFE

The 20 members of Mercersburg’s Class of 2020 who will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level include athletes headed to 15 different institutions at the NCAA’s Division I, II, and III levels. The first member of the class to commit was Aurelius Dunbar ’20, who signed a national letter of intent to wrestle at Penn State University. Penn State has won the last four NCAA Division I wrestling championships and eight of the last nine titles. Dunbar, of nearby Greencastle, Pennsylvania, is one of just five competitors in Mercersburg’s storied wrestling history to place three times at the National Prep Wrestling

Aurelius Dunbar ’20 and coach Nate Jacklin ’96

Championships. He compiled a 122-25 record in four years at Mercersburg, and took fourth at 160 pounds at the 2020 edition of National Preps. “I first met Aurelius at our wrestling camp when he was 7 years old,” says Mercersburg head wrestling coach Nate Jacklin ’96. “He said his goal was to wrestle at Penn State. It’s a dream for every Pennsylvania wrestler, and it’s great to see it happen for him after all his hard work.” The full list of future college athletes in the Class of 2020: Jay Budin, Chevy Chase, Maryland; baseball, St. Lawrence University Cory Daly, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; baseball, U.S. Naval Academy (Navy) Patrick Di Tullio, Gmunden, Austria; basketball, Trinity University (Texas) Aurelius Dunbar, Greencastle, Pennsylvania; wrestling, Penn State University Jake Evert, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; swimming, Navy Anna Freyman, Lake Mary, Florida; swimming, Navy Zoe Gooch, Cranleigh, United Kingdom; basketball, Denison University AJ Gray, Rochester, New York; basketball, University of Hartford Jonah Harm, Placerville, California; swimming, Navy Addie Jenkins, Middleburg, Virginia; lacrosse, Roanoke College Aakash Koduru, Collegeville, Pennsylvania; track & field/cross country, Swarthmore College Caroline Kranich, State College, Pennsylvania; lacrosse, Washington and Lee University Annie Leder, Washington, D.C.; track & field, Dickinson College Alex Lorenzo, Bronx, New York; squash, Connecticut College Quintin Metcalf, Seoul, South Korea; basketball, St. Bonaventure University Austin Monsereenusorn, Nonthaburi, Thailand; football, Allegheny College Kaylen Oweh, Howell, New Jersey; basketball, St. Thomas Aquinas College (New York) Zander Patent, Chicago, Illinois; football, Occidental College Zach Powers, Centreville, Maryland; baseball, Navy Billy Wilkerson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; swimming, Dickinson College

SUMMER 2020

CAMPUS LIFE

A Virtual M

ercersburg’s newest alumni, the members of the Class of 2020,

are the first in the school’s history to experience a virtual Commencement ceremony, as a result of COVID-19. Although the school plans to celebrate the class at an in-person ceremony when it is safe to do so, the entire community wanted this virtual ceremony to be as meaningful as possible. Julia Stojak Maurer ’90, P ’18, ’20, ’22, ’23, associate head of school for school life and mother of Will (a member of the Class of 2020), has been involved with Commencement preparations in some form since 2009. This year, she took the lead in pulling it all together, and she is quick to point out the sheer number of people who contributed to make the

More than 800 computers logged in on May 23 to watch the ceremony, and many of those computers represented not just one individual, but households watching together. Maurer feels it is safe to say that a couple thousand viewers—current students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends—

tuned into the graduation. As we would expect for an on-campus celebration, Mercersburg carillonneur Jim Brinson performed the prelude, complete with birds chirping in the background and the Irvine Memorial Chapel bells chiming at the 10 a.m. start of the ceremony.

ceremony possible. The community “just stepped up and put a lot of work into this effort to make graduation special for the seniors,” she says. On the following pages, Maurer walks us through this virtual ceremony. “We wanted the ceremony to feel like the Mercersburg Commencement they would expect,” Maurer says. “The one thing we decided to totally avoid was the platform. The graduation platform is just too special to the seniors. We wanted to honor the traditional aspects of the ceremony as much as possible, and when they are able to gather on campus again, let them have the platform experience all together.”

View video from the virtual MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE ceremony on our website.

For the processional, more than 200 images—representing all members of the Class of 2020 and all school programs and activities—played across the screen. “The class music is a really unique part of our ceremony, but we obviously weren’t going to have a processional or a recessional, so that’s where the idea for the opening montage came in,” says Maurer. “We wanted to keep the music chosen by the senior class as a part of our ceremony. I thought the kids’ choices of songs were so beautiful and so poignant and appropriate for the occasion. They really did a wonderful job.”

CAMPUS LIFE

MAY 23

Celebration

When the student speakers were chosen, Head of School Katie Titus called each one individually to invite them to be part of the ceremony.

SEAN FISCUS ’20, valedictorian

“Class of 2020, I can’t wait to see all of you in person for our non-virtual Commencement, but in the meantime, stop counting down the days. Look in the mirror. We all have some impressive battle scars to show off.”

SHANNON FAN ’20, salutatorian

“We’ve brought Mercersburg with us into our homes on all different continents. May we now go into the world.”

VINCENT REY ’06, invited speaker

“Class of 2020, you have been trained, studied, gone through an arduous four years, and not only finished, but excelled in doing so. Classes have continued virtually, and you’ve still thrived even though you’re separated by state, country, and time zones. There is no glory without a story, and this Class of 2020 surely has a story.”

SUMMER 2020

A Virtual Celebration FOR THE CLASS OF 2020 During the reading of the diplomas, a slide appeared on the screen for each graduate and included their senior portrait, a quote about them, and a candid photo from their time at Mercersburg. “We decided to honor an aspect of each senior’s Mercersburg experience that was important to them, while keeping it a surprise,” says Maurer. “None of the seniors knew what we had planned. What I loved about the ceremony is when you looked at it in totality with all of the images, videos, and pictures, it wove a beautiful tapestry telling the story of the whole class and all that Mercersburg entails. The candid snapshots on each graduation slide were unique to the student. We wanted each senior’s slide to feel original and special.” Class marshals Grace Lewis ’20 and Campbell Prentiss ’20 recorded themselves reading each senior’s name, and this audio recording accompanied each slide.

As an additional surprise during the ceremony, Titus announced a new award: the Class of 2020 Award, which will be given each year in honor of Mercersburg Academy’s Class of 2020 to acknowledge the unique circumstances in which the class completed its Mercersburg journey virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The award is given to that graduating senior who best represents the resilience modeled by the Class of 2020 and serves as a reminder that Mercersburg has “faced the wild storm waves of years and bravely she faces them still.” Whenever possible, this award will be presented each year, on Commencement, by a different member of the Class of 2020. In its inaugural year, it is awarded to all members of the Class of 2020. As members of the Class of 2020 watched the ceremony, they each opened a graduation box mailed from the school with several important items in it, including their diplomas. “When it became clear we weren’t going to be in person, we wanted them to have their diplomas on graduation day,” says Maurer. “Even the image in the bottom of the box was from the seniors. We asked them, What are the things that make Mercersburg special to you? They sent in responses, and we made a Wordle in the shape of the Mercersburg shield out of the words that were repeated most frequently.”

All elements of the ceremony were prerecorded to avoid technical issues. However, in order to give the seniors the feeling of graduating live, one key moment was not recorded in advance: the conferring of degrees. “The seniors didn’t know they were going to go live,” says Maurer. “They had been on their own Google Hangout watching the ceremony together as a class, cheering each other on as each one’s graduation slide came up. The technology gave them the ability to be together and watch the ceremony as a class.” At the appropriate moment, the camera flipped, Titus and the seniors appeared on the screen together, and Titus officially introduced all of them as the newest members of Mercersburg’s alumni community. They stayed on the screen through a recorded rendition of the Alma Mater. As Maurer explains, “We knew they couldn’t all sing together on a Google Hangout because of the reverberation that would happen when everyone is trying to talk simultaneously, but we knew we wanted them all together for the Alma Mater. So, we invited members of the class to record themselves singing and had the tracks put together to create a class recording of the Alma Mater which played during the ceremony while we were live.” 28

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

To conclude the ceremony, the inspiration for the recessional actually came from the Class of 2020. “They wanted to be the first class to have the faculty line the procession into the graduation area and be able to say goodbye and wish them well as they walked to the graduation platform. How powerful would that have been?” says Maurer. “While we wanted the processional to be about the students, we thought after the graduation we could honor that idea from the class by sending off the seniors with short faculty videos offering our congratulations with the recessional music in the background. I hope they feel like we were all there for them.”

A Virtual Celebration FOR THE CLASS OF 2020

BY THE NUMBERS › 123 graduates, representing 16 American states (plus the District of Columbia) and 13 nations of the world

› Schaff Orators: Aidan Ferrin ’20, Bozeman, Montana, and Caroline Kranich ’20, State College, Pennsylvania

› Members of the graduating class will matriculate at 85 different institutions

› Senior Class President: Jesse Zhang ’20, Beijing, China

› Most popular college choices: United States Naval Academy (five matriculations); University of Pennsylvania (four matriculations); and Bucknell University, Cornell University, Dickinson College, Pennsylvania State University, and University of Toronto (three matriculations apiece)

› Student Council President: Aba Sankah ’20, Bradenton, Florida

› Valedictorian: Sean Fiscus ’20, La Vale, Maryland

› Commencement speaker: Vincent Rey ’06

› Salutatorian: Shannon Fan ’20, Beijing, China

› Baccalaureate speaker: Jay Bozzi

› Class Marshals: Grace Lewis ’20, Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and Campbell Prentiss ’20, Andover, Massachusetts

CLASS OF 2020 LEGACY GRADUATES

Graduates pictured, top row (L-R): Will Allen, son of Bill Allen ’79; Davis Anderson, son of Lynn Tchobanoglous Anderson ’79 and greatgrandson of the late Donald Ash ’31; Peter Berle, son of Julia Streeter Berle ’87 and great-grandson of the late Rex Baxter ’29 (not pictured); Julia Borger, daughter of Cynthia Davenport Borger ’83; Annaliesse Cantera, granddaughter of the late Charlie Cantera ’46; Xander Casparian, son of Carol Furnary Casparian ’79; Keli Flanagan, granddaughter of the late George Flanagan ’45; Grace Heine, granddaughter of Steve Heine ’48 Graduates pictured, bottom row (L-R): Addie Jenkins, daughter of Nick Jenkins ’97; Allison Jones, daughter of Nancy Gallagher Jones ’86; Caroline Kranich, daughter of Ashley Himes Kranich ’93; Will Maurer, son of Julia Stojak Maurer ’90; Audrey McGrory, daughter of Natalie Kostelni McGrory ’88; Campbell Prentiss, son of Ames Prentiss ’89, grandson of John Prentiss ’65, great-grandson of the late George Prentiss ’39, and great-great-grandson of the late Medary Prentiss (1914); Clay Prichett, son of Helen Barfield Prichett ’91; Andrew Stoner, son of Linda Boyer Stoner ’90

SUMMER 2020

Thank You

to everyone who was able to attend the virtual sessions and connect with the Mercersburg of today. Classes ending in 0 and 5 participated in their reunions June 4-7, 2020, and across four days, more than 200 attendees gathered virtually to celebrate their shared Mercersburg connection.

AT A GLANCE:

FEATURED ALUMNI:

• Total attendees: 220, representing 10 countries and 34 states • Reunion committee volunteers: 149 • In their lifetime, alumni in this cycle of classes have committed more than $54 million to Mercersburg Academy.

• Alumni Council award recipients and Class of ’32 Award recipients (see Class Notes section)

As of June 29, 2020: • Most attendees: Class of 2015 with 55 classmates planning to attend in person (June 2021) • Highest Annual Fund participation: Class of 1970 and Class of 2015 with 35 donors each* • Largest Annual Fund class gift: Class of 1965 with $127,121* *Alumni gifts to the school during the 2020-2021 school year will also count as a part of the reunion class gift efforts.

• Charlie Guy ’65, P ’88, ’93, Aba Sankah ’20, and Campbell Prentiss ’20 participated in a Q&A about the making of the documentary film The Tom Leslie ’66 Story: A True Mercersburg Man. Leslie was Mercersburg’s first black graduate. • Dave Koch ’85, Samantha Lumby Seiple ’85, Steve Miko Burns ’85, and Stewart Walker ’85 participated in an Arts and Entertainment Panel moderated by Marca Armstrong Ewy ’85, current Alumni Council member and chair of her 35th Reunion committee.

• Stacie Rice Lissette ’85, P ’14, ’14, ’17, ’23, incoming Board of Regents president, and Ann Marie Bliley-Ester ’01, incoming Alumni Council vice president, participated in the State of the School address with Head of School Katie Titus P ’20, ’23.

Recordings from the weekend

Visit the Reunion Weekend webpage to view recordings of all virtual sessions (mercersburg.edu/reunionweekend).

Save the date

REUNION WEEKEND 2021 • JUNE 10-13!

Classes ending in 0 or 5 and 1 or 6 will celebrate reunions together, and all alumni are invited to participate. 30

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

The “Great Potential” and “Maestro and Caroler” sculptures, part of the senior gift from the Class of 2020, have found a home on campus. These sculptures, produced by Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin (parents of Anabelle Oldham ’20), are beside a tree located between Ford Hall and the quad and can be seen on the walk from the dining hall toward Irvine Hall, the Irvine Memorial Chapel, and the Burgin Center for the Arts.

Alumni LIFE

SUMMER 2020

ALUMNI LIFE

Voices from the Front Throughout this spring, as the global coronavirus pandemic escalated, Mercersburg Academy learned of countless stories from our alumni network where individuals bravely stood up and stepped forward to help others. We salute all of our community members who have contributed during this time, and in this section, we bring you five stories from health care professionals who are living Mercersburg’s values on the front lines. To learn more about how our alumni are stepping up and helping out, we encourage you to visit our website, and if you have a story to share, please contact us. We want to hear from you!

Ross Weller ’03

an intensive care unit treating COVID-19

the ICU so soon—on how to care for the COVID

patients. Out of the seven people in his unit at

cases. It was important to make sure that no

Stony Brook University Hospital, he was one

specific unit of the hospital was overstressed

of the first three who would be moved to the

and to protect the safety of medical workers

front line of the pandemic. Throughout the

as well.

next few months, Weller treated the sickest

Similar to other ICUs treating serious

COVID-19 patients in one of the country’s

cases of the highly contagious coronavirus,

worst hot spots.

Weller’s hospital did not allow family

At his hospital’s peak, Weller and his

members to visit, even as their loved ones

colleagues cared for about 120 intubated

neared the end of life. The hardest part,

COVID patients. Eventually about 90 percent

Weller notes, was communicating with the

of the hospital’s surgical staff were reassigned

patients’ loved ones through FaceTime, the

to work in ICUs specifically for coronavirus

best alternative the unit could offer to in-

cases. He compares his hospital and its staff to

person visits. “It was basically them saying

being a sort of “war effort.” “We were using

their goodbyes,” he says. Having to do this

our resources like we were under siege,” he

repeatedly, however, is what really took an

explains. When Weller himself opened up a

emotional toll on Weller and his colleagues.

unit, he did not have a clerk to order supplies.

“When you do that for one family member,

“I went on missions and stole everything from

they tell their siblings. So you have to hear an

other units that was needed to take care of

entire family say their goodbyes in sequence.”

In early March, Ross Weller ’03, a surgical

people,” he says. “It’s not normally the job

In addition, the doctors would explain to

resident from Stony Brook, New York, was

of the doctor, but it was what was needed at

the families what would be expected as their

asked to draw a straw in order to decide

that time.” Weller and his colleagues quickly

loved ones passed away, which was mentally

who from his team would be reassigned to

trained interns—who are not usually put in

exhausting.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

ALUMNI LIFE

There were times, however, when the work of Weller and his

they were putting their loved ones at risk, Weller kept his distance and

colleagues really paid off. Early on, he had a patient with many risk

relied on FaceTime to keep his wife and two kids updated. “I sent my

factors: she was a smoker, she was older, she was obese, and she became

family away pretty early,” he says. Despite all of his time in the ICU and

a diabetic as she was staying in the hospital. “The lady was the first case

his exposure to the virus, Weller has taken two antibody tests and both

that I met before she was intubated,” Weller says, “and she was the first

have indicated that he never had COVID-19.

person I got to talk to after she had recovered.” It was really rewarding

Weller attributes some of this discipline to his time at Mercersburg.

for Weller because her case was one that probably would have ended

“I credit a lot of that to being a part of the cross country and track

much worse if it hadn’t been for the care he and his colleagues provided.

teams,” he notes. It was helpful for him to have a structured part of the

The habits Weller learned as a surgical resident, he explains, kept

day to really work on achieving some goal. “I also always think about the

him safe. “You can’t touch your face in the operating room. You can’t

White Coat and Blue Coat (where Mercersburg students serve food and

be negligent with where you’re placing your hands in a surgery.” The

clear tables during a family-style meal).” He explains how humbling the

cautions he uses on a regular basis helped him remain focused when

tradition really is. “Sometimes you’re there to help people. Sometimes

he had to protect himself. “It’s hard to function and stay that stressed

you’re forgoing your own comfort or your own entertainment and just

out,” he says. “It becomes a matter of discipline, even when you’re tired.

going out and providing for people and trying to help them have a nice

Sometimes you just want to eat. The process of making sure you can

meal. It’s a simple thing, but it really does rub off on you when you apply

safely eat something is a challenge when you’re in an ICU.

those principles to your daily life. Right now it’s my job to go serve these

“Sometimes you go home and you’re sure that you got yourself sick

people. That’s something I still think about, thanks to Mercersburg.”

that day, but I managed to protect myself, despite all the times I was —Clara Getty ’21

tired and not thinking.” Like so many medical-care workers who feared

Amanda Begley ’14

one mask per day. “When something’s new,

Amanda Begley ’14 is an intensive care

“but we’ve adapted, and it’s easy once you

unit (ICU) nurse with MedStar Washington

say to yourself, ‘This is a medical gown; it just

Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., where

looks different.’” Each staff member wears a

she’s worked for two years. Her job is intense,

gown, protective face shield, goggles, gloves,

you’re obviously not used to it,” Begley says,

but it’s reached new heights during the

and mask. The staff is encouraged to keep

pandemic. A large hospital with seven ICUs,

their distance from co-workers, though it’s

MedStar Washington designated four of the

hard because, as Begley says, “medicine is a

ICUs to care for COVID patients. Once Begley’s

team sport.” As for staying positive during these

unit began to receive patients, it was full

difficult times, Begley says, “I have a

within a few weeks.

whiteboard in my kitchen. Each day, I write

Admitting patients isn’t the difficult part; testing them is. Anyone who presents with

one thing I’m thankful for at the top.” She

symptoms is admitted as a precaution until

says before the crisis, people lost track of

test results come back, which is what led to

the little things, and now there’s time to

the rapid fill of the unit. In the case of some

appreciate them. Begley has been getting back

patients who showed symptoms, the first

into painting, and she’s trying to be there for others. For instance, one of her co-workers

test might come back negative before repeat tests were positive. “During this time, people

has the best information on how to treat them

lived with her for two months because Begley’s

forget that there are a ton of other respiratory

and keep them safe.

apartment is close to the hospital. “It was nice

illnesses that affect the population,” Begley

As there is a shortage of personal

says. She says her priority is to accurately

protective equipment, the type of PPE used

determine what illness the patient has, so she

has changed, and staff members are limited to

to have the company,” she says. —Jenny Bell ’17

SUMMER 2020

ALUMNI LIFE

Dean Hosgood ’98

hospitalization. “We have been able to use

Dean Hosgood ’98 is an epidemiologist who

why certain races and ethnicities are affected

studies the risk factors that make some

disproportionately from COVID,” he says.

populations more susceptible to diseases

that to try to understand a little bit more about

The incoming vice president of

than other populations. As public-health

Mercersburg’s Board of Regents, Hosgood has

officials, epidemiologists seek to help the

been crucial in interpreting information for

most people by identifying and outlining

the school. He regularly communicates with

prevention strategies. “A medical doctor will

individual Board members, Head of School

typically focus on the health of one patient

Katie Titus, and Storm Watch (Mercersburg’s

at a time,” Hosgood explains, “whereas an

task force that seeks protective and proactive

epidemiologist is trained to focus on the

measures for the school in relation to the

health of whole populations.”

pandemic; learn more on page 45). With the

Although epidemiologists are constantly

influx of data found in the media and news

studying diseases around the world, the extent

cycle, Hosgood is helping the Mercersburg

of COVID-19 is what makes the novel virus so

community understand the nuances of

significant. “The scope of it is much newer

infection rates, spread, and prevention

gives his thoughts on how social distancing

to the world,” Hosgood says. “Think about

strategies. “My role has been to help people

will take place, what prevention looks like,

air travel and how much people are crossing

understand the meaning of a lot of that

and what the likelihood is of cases actually

the globe; it was only a matter of time before

clinical, laboratory, and population-level

occurring on campus: “I use my statistical

an infectious agent was going to spread

data,” he says. “If you look across the

and epidemiological skills to help drill down

rapidly.” When the coronavirus hit, Hosgood

spectrum right now, you see conflicting

and provide one more layer of expertise to

began using his epidemiologic research

reports; for example, with testing, some tests

interpret and understand so they can make the

methodologies to identify which populations

are a lot more reliable than others.”

best decision possible for the school.”

might be at higher risk for developing serious symptoms from COVID-19 and require

As Mercersburg thinks about and plans a return to campus, Hosgood also

—Clara Getty ’21

Andy Choi ’99 Andy Choi ’99, an academic cardiologist, is an associate professor of medicine and radiology and the director of cardiac CT and MRI at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Although he serves in a variety of roles at the hospital, his primary task is fighting heart disease with the use of new diagnostic tools and imaging. As the COVID-19 pandemic became a threat in January and February, Choi’s hospital launched into preparation. With its central location and proximity to the White House, the George Washington University Hospital is always in a state of readiness, but as the number of cases peaked in the Washington area, “it completely upended how we delivered care,” Choi says. Although normally the hospital treats a wide spectrum of conditions, about 50 percent of the facility’s medical service patients were coronavirus cases at the D.C. area’s peak. Choi, like many medical professionals around the country, was reassigned to help fight the pandemic.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

ALUMNI LIFE

Emma Cranston ’13

us safe,” Cranston says, adding that hospitals

Emma Cranston ’13 is used to the fear of

shortage. Thankfully, Johns Hopkins has a

the unknown. “I’m a registered nurse in the

surplus warehouse, but even that isn’t going

emergency department,” she says, “and we

to last forever. “We originally went through

have different types of patients every day.”

our regular yellow gowns so fast it wasn’t

Although working at Johns Hopkins Hospital

sustainable,” she says. Now, they’re coming

in Baltimore has given her experience with

up with new gowns. Ford Motor Company has

many injuries and illnesses, nothing could

contracted with the hospital and is making

have prepared her for the devastating effect

reusable gowns out of airbag material. “It

that the spread of COVID-19 has had.

took some getting used to, but they work,”

are struggling to get PPE because there’s a

she says. “I feel lucky to be working at a large

When the first patient with uncertain symptoms walked into her hospital, Cranston

hospital that is committed to keeping us

says they weren’t prepared: “At first, we

updated and safe.” To try and stay positive, Cranston

were saying, ‘Oh my God, what do we do?’

suggests eating healthy, getting outside, and

But we recovered quickly.” After that, there was a slow trickle of admittance. In January

exercising. “Resting is good,” she says. “We’re

and February, there were only a few patients

her hospital now has protocols in place to

all exhausted from this pandemic, so taking

admitted. “Then, people stopped coming in.

protect the staff and the patients. Nearly

five naps a day is OK.” She advises following

They were scared,” she says. In early March,

every day, the hospital holds meetings and

the guidelines from the Centers for Disease

the hospital was flooded with COVID patients:

sends regular emails to update staff on what

Control and doing what makes you happy:

“It was overwhelming. Every day there’d be a

is being done, and new personal protective

“When you’re stressed, it’s easy to go down a

new protocol, a new patient, and not enough

equipment (PPE) instructions are usually

dark path. Give yourself quiet time.”

people to help.”

shared. “PPE is essential during this time, and

After an uncertain start, Cranston says

Johns Hopkins is doing a great job of keeping

Choi notes that the rates of heart attacks have gone down since

health. He notes the significance

the pandemic hit. While it was initially believed that lower stress levels

of community: “The idea of

and perhaps lower pollution levels due to shelter-in-place orders

the gathered community is so

caused this change, it may be due to the fact that people are refraining

important. At Mercersburg, for

from hospital visits out of a fear of exposure to COVID-19. “What we

example, we have the Chapel

know is that based on 911 calls to homes, heart-related deaths went up

gatherings each week. That

15 percent compared to a year ago,” Choi says. “When we think about

ability to gather has really been

the over 100,000 people in the United States who have died because of

shattered because of the pandemic.

the pandemic, there are sadly tens of thousands of people who might

That’s been the case for all of us.”

not be counted in those statistics. And these are not numbers, these

—Jenny Bell ’17

Along with so many hospitals in the United

are individual people with lives and with families. It breaks my heart

States, the George Washington University Hospital has sought to find

to know how deep this pandemic has been and will continue to be for

moments of joy amid the crisis. When a COVID-19 patient is discharged,

patients with heart disease, as well as for people with other various

“Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles plays through the halls. “Every

medical conditions.”

time that song is played,” Choi says, “it is a reminder to all of us that

With the decline in coronavirus cases, cardiologists like Choi

another patient has been saved from the coronavirus.”

have again begun to focus on prevention and heart-healthy habits with diet and exercise. Choi also points out the importance of mental

—Clara Getty ’21

SUMMER 2020

u b r s g r e c r e

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

C o

n n

ted ec

community’s character is not measured by its response during times of success but by its grit during times of trial. For most students, Spring Break 2020 started like any other year. Some went home, some prepared to travel, some stayed with friends—but all expected to return to campus for the conclusion of the school year. During the break, however, the World Health Organization elevated the coronavirus—also referred to as COVID-19—to the level of a pandemic. Cases increased throughout the United States, and Mercersburg Academy ultimately closed campus for the duration of the spring term and moved to virtual learning.

SUMMER 2020

March 11: Mercersburg makes the decision to delay the return from spring break for two weeks.

March 13: Mercersburg delays the return from spring break until at least April 14, 2020.

March 18: Virtual ’Burg, Mercersburg’s virtuallearning program, begins.

April 3: The decision is made to finish the academic year virtually and remain closed to on-campus activities through the balance of the spring term.

May 22: The 2019-2020 academic year concludes.

Our experiences and responses

May 23: Mercersburg celebrates the Class of 2020 with a virtual Commencement (with an in-person Commencement to be determined at a later date).

during this time have been as varied and unique as our community itself: students learning to attend classes online and in all different time zones, teachers working to re-create the Harkness table in the virtual space, representatives from Mercersburg’s Admission Office sharing our campus with prospective students through a virtual Revisit Day, everyone struggling with what we’ve lost and What’s it like to teach art, perhaps what we’ve physics, or acting in this new gained. We chronicle virtual world? Visit our website just some of those to see a video where four experiences on the Mercersburg faculty members following pages. (John David Bennett, Laurie Mufson, Dave Holzwarth ’78, and Wells Gray) share their experiences (both challenges and joyful surprises) and discuss what the response has been from students.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

I realized the plans I made—meeting up with friends, my internship An International with the Mercersburg Student’s Life During marketing and Quarantine communications team, the Spring By Chelsea Seaby Bruno ’21 Scenes showcase I was watching a movie with my parents when School started at 5 p.m. in the theatre the email came out. I suspected that we would and ended at 10 p.m., with an department— not be coming back to school after the springhour break for dinner at 7 p.m. term delay, but I still felt shocked. I realized The shift was an issue at first, as I would not the plans I made—meeting up with friends, became sluggish and unproductive happen. my internship with the Mercersburg marketing at night. But combining sleeping and and communications team, the Spring Scenes showcase in the theatre department—would not

drinking a bucketload of tea helped me continue to be energetic.

happen. But despite all this, I was intrigued to see what the year would look like with me in Saudi Arabia, thousands of miles away from school. Let me take you through my normal day of online learning. I would get up around 10 a.m. every day. One of the joys of the time difference was that school began at 5 p.m., allowing for ample sleep-in time. After waking up, I would eat breakfast with my mom. Another great thing about online learning was being able to spend time with my parents, as we binge-watched “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” or ate together. But sadly, there was still school, so I needed to go shower and start my day. After showering, it would be time to get down to business. Around 1 p.m., I would start working on my assignments, tea in hand. The adjustment to working in the middle of the day was initially a challenge, but this also gave me a nearby deadline to work toward, therefore giving me the drive to be productive. Sometimes, I would either have extra time before class or could not focus. When this happened, I would take a break and try to do something else, such as reading, baking, napping, and so on.

After 10 p.m., school was over! I would run downstairs to hang out with my parents and play with my dogs before retiring to bed. While this was the “typical” schedule, no day was ordinary during the pandemic. Saudi Arabia had a 24-hour curfew for the duration of our spring term. This left me feeling isolated from others, though I kept communication with friends. In the end, the school schedule helped me stay in touch with the outside world, bringing a sense of normalcy to the situation. The typical schedule, while unconventional, worked for me. Despite being miles away from the Mercersburg community, I never felt that it had disappeared. Not only was I able to learn, but I was also able to engage in a way that was enriching for my mental state.

The year has been and will continue to be unpredictable. At the moment, I am unsure if school will ultimately start classes on time or if I will be able to fly out of Saudi Arabia. But I am comforted that no matter where I am, I will be able to be a part of the Mercersburg community.

Chelsea on assignment at the start of her Mercersburg marketing and communications internship prior to spring break.

SUMMER 2020

Just Like Riding a Bike By Michele Poacelli, English Faculty and Director of the Writing Center In mid-March, when the pandemic hit and the reality of virtual learning started to dawn, I took up bike riding again. I adore my old seafoam green Cannondale and love the feeling of the wind in my hair as I fly down the hilly back roads of Mercersburg. Looking back on it now, I realize there was more to my rekindled hobby than a fondness for my bike and a hankering for the elements. I wasn’t just trying to fly down those hills; I was trying to fly away from a new daunting reality. If I pedaled hard enough,

but also pioneers. Next year, why not a hybrid Writing Center with the possibility of virtual appointments during the chilly winter months when students are loath to leave the warmth of their dorm rooms? Isn’t anything possible now? The editors of Blue Review and my intrepid faculty advising partner, Kristen Pixler, were equally as resolute and versatile as they brought our entire book-building operation online. We spent weeks in virtual meetings, compiling, arranging, and editing the 2020 publication.

maybe I could leave this surreal dream behind and cycle off into the sunset. The real sunset. Not a pixelated, glitch-prone, simulation of a sunset. But there was no outrunning the pandemic, nor the fact that I’d be seeing my English students and advisees shortly. I was looking forward to it. I needed to see their faces and know they were OK. Those same faces soon would be staring back at me expectantantly, wide-eyed, waiting for a plan that I had yet to devise, and it terrified me that I didn’t know where to begin. Somehow, I had to summon the courage to get back on my proverbial bike and navigate the foreign hills and flats of this virtual landscape. Anyone who has ever learned to ride a bike knows there’s no getting through it

Though the theme of the book is “cacophony,” fitting for the dissonant events of the year, it was the harmony of our team that made its production possible. Despite these accomplishments, I’m no Pollyanna about virtual teaching. It’s not for me, unless it has to be. Chris Howes, assistant head of school for student life and culture, recently helped me understand my reservations when he framed it like this: virtual learning is transactional while boarding-school education is transformational. This spring, I missed the transformations I witnessed every day in the classroom, in the dorm, in the dining hall, and in all the spaces Mercersburg community members gather and learn from each other. If transformation happens in a virtual setting, it’s a much slower burn. I will say that if it weren’t for this spring, I wouldn’t have learned through the “COVID-19 Journals” my students kept and shared with me that Hickory, North Carolina (hometown of our own Addie Geitner ’21), is likely the most charming hamlet in America. I can’t wait to visit and check out her bohemian pottery studio. I also wouldn’t have had those wonderful exchanges with Sam Nobile ’21 about the books we love and the meditation we practice. Yes, our screens were windows, too. In the end, a boarding school, a classroom, a screen, and a bike are all the same thing. They’re vehicles toward something. It wasn’t a smooth ride for my teaching this spring, but I did turn my bike around; I put my back to the sunset and headed uphill. I pedaled hard and was winded. But I think I rode in the right direction, because every day, I rode toward connection.

If I PEDALED hard enough, maybe I could leave this surreal dream behind and cycle off into the sunset. 40

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“give me a hand22” by Ali Nurkhaidarov ’20 in Blue Review

without a few bumps and bruises. One of my early scrapes was the lesson that a virtual space is its own unique setting, not to be confused with a Rutledge Hall English classroom. It doesn’t work to replicate the traditional classroom space. I know; I tried. Those dazzling discussions around the Harkness table? Sparks flying brilliantly like the Fourth of July? Online, they crashed and burned as students awkwardly began talking at the same time, froze in mid-sentence, or shared half of their epiphanies while on mute. I could smell the smoke of a smoldering holiday. For discussions, small group formats worked best. Almost spontaneously, the same five or six students began attending my morning office hours to discuss chapters of Moby-Dick. They became my “Melville Scholars,” and as our conversations explored ocean depths, our screens seemed less a barrier and more a portal. One-on-one conversations online could achieve genuine connection, too. In April, I conducted more than 20 interviews via Google Meet with Writing Center Fellow candidates all over the world and engaged in meaningful conversations about writing craft. Meanwhile, the current Fellows had taken the Writing Center online and were conducting virtual conferences with their peers. I am momma-bear proud of those faithful Fellows who served not only as tutors

“[Have we] not done a point of cunning skill.” Adventures of an Early Modern Theatre Company in the Virtual ’Burg By Kelly Dowling, Assistant Director of the Burgin Center for the Arts A timeline of the spring term Shakespeare in Performance class with some lessons learned along the way.

We record the meeting for audio, and each actor makes an individual silent screen recording of themselves performing. We upload everything

Mid-March: First class. We discuss the idea of focusing on a single show to illuminate the qualities common to all Shakespeare plays and start poetic scansion of sonnets. Gabe Ryan ’20 (and others) learn we sometimes talk too fast and miss the moments that might help us be better understood. Late March: Our chosen script (whittled down from 32 options via a March Madness bracket) is “Friar Bacon & Friar Bungay” by Robert Greene (not Shakespeare). Everyone learns I am sneaky. They suspect this play— which includes Hercules, the devil, and a magician who wants to build a wall around England—is bananas. Early April: Now knowing we are online all spring, we decide to film a staged reading rather than attempt a live performance online. This feels safer. We can stop and start if needed, and because of cast size, several people actually have to be in scenes with themselves. Emma Shuford ’22 (and others) learn to take the role less traveled and challenge perceptions of type. Mid-April to early May: We use nine class meetings to complete two read-throughs before filming begins. We confirm this show is bananas and take an entire class to throw imaginary javelins and explode volcanoes because applying Greek Speech Modes is useful, I promise. Franklin Williams ’22 (and others) learn it’s not a good idea to take yourself too seriously, especially in serious situations. Watching people jump around on a webcam is fun! Early May: Filming begins via Zoom meeting. We use backgrounds and interact with one another during the scene—at least vocally.

to Google Drive. Riley Schermerhorn ’22 (and others) learn that we don’t all have the same tools, but with determination and creativity we can each make an exceptional contribution. Mid-May: I start lining up videos with audio in post-production and immediately inundate the cast with requests for the things we still need even though we thought we were finished. We all learn that technology is our most useful tool and our most frustrating adversary. Late May: Our final class, which was meant to be the premiere of the complete recording, focuses on the few scenes that are complete and setting a more realistic deadline. We learn to be patient with one another and ourselves. We also learn that Chelsea Seaby Bruno ’21 is the queen of reactions and independent costuming. Wigs, goggles, funny hats, a rubber chicken—where did they all come from? Later May: After 19 in-class (and several out-of-class) meetings, we premiere our weird and wonderful reading on YouTube for an audience of tens. (But hey, 57 views as of this writing!) Dylan Dowling ’21 (and others) learn a final lesson that even though this experience was fun, we really want to perform the play together, like we normally would, even just once. It sometimes takes once-in-a-lifetime circumstances to remind us that this thing we ordinarily do—get up in front of peers and the public and put on a show—has been an extraordinary feat all along. And if we ever get the chance to ride a devil into Hell, we’re taking it! Editor’s note: The Shakespare in Performance Class Staged Reading can be viewed on our website or on YouTube at tinyurl.com/MburgBacon.

It sometimes takes once-ina-lifetime circumstances to remind us that this thing we ordinarily do—get up in front of peers and the public and put on a show—has been an extraordinary feat all along. SUMMER 2020

The Season That Wasn’t By Lauren Hoffman, Head Softball Coach One week passed, two weeks passed, then a month and then another. Just like that, it was May 13, and assistant coach Kelsey Steiner and I were holding our first-ever virtual “senior day.” This, obviously, was not how the 2020 season was supposed to end. The start of the season brought Kelsey and me a lot of excitement. We had two seniors who had been with the program for four years; we had a promising and experienced 10th-grade class; and we had a handful of other returners and newcomers to add to the mix. The girls were working hard and looked forward to our spring break trip to Tampa, Florida. Even with COVID-19 concerns looming, our energy level was high as we took off from BWI Airport for the week of training and team building we had planned in Florida. But less than 24 hours after touching down, I received a phone call from the school that COVID-19 developments were forcing Mercersburg to shut down the campus. Two days later, that closure was extended to an

I miss watching them grow as softball players and I miss watching them develop into the wonderful young women that they are becoming. Wins and losses? Those are irrelevant.

additional four weeks, and eventually claimed all events in the spring term— including our season. We shared the news with the players, and as expected, there were lots of tears. I knew they would have questions and would want answers, but I also knew there was so much uncertainty that I couldn’t provide them with all the answers. But if there’s anything that we as coaches could do, it was to lead them. To be a role model for them. To be that extra shoulder to lean on. To tell them to soak up the remaining days in Florida because, in reality, it could be their last time together as a team. And luckily for us, the girls embraced the message. They embraced each other. It was amazing to watch. To start a season but not finish it is something I’ve never been a part of—not as a player, not as a coach. How could we go to Florida and come back to campus on March 15

with the possibility of never stepping on our field again? It was the strangest feeling, and it left me empty. And now, when I reflect on why those feelings came about, it’s because of one simple thing: the 11 girls who put on a Mercersburg softball uniform. So, how do I define “the season that wasn’t”? That’s the easy part. I miss the everyday interaction, the everyday grind with the girls and with Kelsey. I miss watching them grow as softball players and I miss watching them develop into the wonderful young women that they are becoming. Wins and losses? Those are irrelevant. When I see the lightbulb go on in their heads after a drill, or note how far they’ve come since the beginning of the season or of their careers, it truly is one of the most remarkable and rewarding feelings a coach can have. That’s what I miss—the relationships and the bond the girls form with not only each other, but with their coaches, and the bond that we coaches create with them. Without having them on campus, a part of me was missing. They, as much as they might not know it, have such an impact on who I am and how I coach them. Editor’s note: Lauren Hoffman (pictured center, sunglasses) has served as an assistant director of athletics and Mercersburg’s head softball coach since 2016. A former two-sport college athlete, she is a graduate of Union College and Canisius College.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

Enrolling New Students Amid a Pandemic By Anna Crouch, Director of Admission There are few dates that mean more to boardingschool admission professionals than March 10 and April 10. These are days that we anxiously anticipate and plan for every year: we release admission decisions on March 10 and patiently wait to hear families’ decisions by April 10. Little did we know as we were packing acceptance boxes in early March that conversations were starting about what the spread of the coronavirus would mean for our admission Revisit Days and our April 10 decision deadline. Here’s a quick look at the days leading up to March 10 and what transpired afterward. March 6: Quentin McDowell, associate head of school for external relations, and I participate in a Zoom call with the directors of admission from Blair Academy, St. Andrew’s School, Episcopal High School, and Peddie School to discuss the potential impact of COVID-19 on our Revisit Days and the planning that each school is undertaking. We walk out of our meeting and into another with our colleagues from the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications to brainstorm what a virtual Revisit Day webpage might look like. By the end of the day, two of our peer schools have already canceled their campus Revisit Days. March 11: Admission decisions have been released as of the previous day; we are calling families to congratulate them, and we recognize that we will likely have to cancel all on-campus events for accepted students. We don’t realize that this is the last day of the school year that our enrollment team will be together in Traylor Hall. March 13: Instead of taking the day off as planned, we work with a local videographer to film congratulatory remarks for accepted students, messages from Quentin and Head of School Katie Titus, and a tour of campus starring a handful of rock-star international students who had been staying at Mercersburg over spring break due to COVID-19 travel disruptions. We move ahead with creating as much digital content as possible, including video messages from the student body president (in Florida), the senior class president (in China), and alumni and parents, and we schedule Zoom webinars for accepted families to meet our faculty, students, and parents. March 17: We work with our videographer to film welcome messages in the Prentiss Alumni and Parent Center at North Cottage from every department chair, head coach, program director, and dorm dean. Hand sanitizer is available inside the building; we are all social distancing before we know what social distancing even is, and there’s a palpable concern about the coronavirus and how it will affect the spring term. March 18: The Virtual Revisit Day webpage launches five days ahead of schedule, and we move ahead with a coordinated plan of supplemental emails, social-media messages, and Zoom webinars for the subsequent three weeks.

April 10: We end the day just a few confirmations shy of being fully enrolled for the 2020-2021 school year—an amazing feat given all the challenges we faced, the lack of in-person Revisit Days, and the new public-health threats and economic uncertainties for accepted students and their families. In the days and weeks that followed, the admission team worked tirelessly to formally enroll nearly 140 new students from across the country and around the world. In many ways, working from home allowed us to singularly focus on our enrollment efforts without the distractions of dayto-day boarding-school life. However, we quickly learned how invaluable our Traylor Hall conference room is for team gatherings and how we may have taken for granted the ability to pop into one another’s offices to check on a project, ask a question, or see how someone’s day is going. We have adopted the use of Slack to streamline interdepartmental communication and have become Zoom and Google Hangout experts, knowing everyone’s background and outdoor wind chime sounds by heart. I would be lying if I said the last few months were not challenging. I am a first-time mother, having welcomed a baby, George, on October 1, as the year’s admission cycle was kicking off. Just as George was adjusting to full-time day care in March, our world turned upside down, and he’s been home with my husband (staff member Tim Crouch) and me ever since. Our new normal has not been easy: there are highs and lows, but I know we’re stronger professionally and personally because of this time at home. I also know it’s true that the enrollment industry is forever changed because of COVID-19, and we’ll continue to learn and grow, just as our students do when they choose to enroll at Mercersburg Academy.

SUMMER 2020

The Upside of Going Virtual By Carolyn Yeager, Chief Advancement Engagement Officer For the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, COVID-19 had the unexpected effect of pushing us to try something that we might never have done otherwise. Virtual events are something we’ve been considering for some time, but up until now, they haven’t risen as a need. However, now that we’ve tried it, it just makes sense. Members of our community live in every corner of the world, and even in the best of times, we can only visit so many areas in any given year. Additionally, we have alumni, parents, and friends who are interested in such a variety of programming that it’s complicated to deliver content to areas we visit that will be compelling to everyone. A virtual-event environment removes all of these barriers. We can deliver book clubs, class happy hours, history lessons, and top experts in just about any given field to anyone around the world. It’s really quite extraordinary! At the conclusion of our virtual events this spring, we’d run more than 60 programs for approximately 1,500 attendees. We’ve had students lead conversations where an alum from the Class of 1940 (that’s right, 98 years old!) was a participant. We’ve been in one another’s homes and met their children, partners, dogs, and cats. Sometimes we’ve even had a little lunch or dinner together (albeit virtually!). I’m not sure we could have predicted anything like this, and we certainly would not have seen this but for the onset of COVID-19. It is the ultimate test-and-learn environment. Will it last when things are normalized? I sure hope so. There are so many interesting and talented alumni out there whom we can all learn from. It would be a shame to miss out on the enrichment this

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

provides, and the opportunity to connect with friends and classmates in between reunions is certainly compelling, too. As our work begins to pivot to next year’s theme of “Making a Difference,” we look forward to providing opportunities to feature this throughout the year and would welcome hearing stories that support that theme.

We can deliver book clubs, class happy hours, history lessons, and top experts in just about any given field to anyone around the world. It’s really quite extraordinary!

Where do we go from here? Introducing Storm Watch By Grace Lewis ’20 and Jesse Zhang ’20

Storm Watch Task Force Members Faculty and staff members include Rick Hendrickson (chair), Jenn Flanagan Bradley ’99 (vice chair), Kathleen Chatterton, Sean Flaherty, Eric Hicks, Dan Izer, De-Enda Rotz, and Doug Smith. External advisory group members are:

Lewis

Zhang

As COVID-19 has swept across the world, everyday life has been put on hold. Seniors felt robbed of their celebration, while the rest of the student body looked toward the school year ahead. Returning to campus next fall, however, will look very different and will no doubt require lots of work. In order to plan the best course of action, Mercersburg has created the Storm Watch task force, a committee dedicated to carefully researching and analyzing ways to protect the community and prepare for its future. Chairing the committee (virtually) is Director of Athletics Rick Hendrickson, working alongside seven other members of the faculty and staff. The group also recruited seven alumni who are external COVID-19 advisory experts. William Su ’88, father of Isabel Su ’23, is one of those experts. Su, a medical professional and a member of the Board of Directors of the Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, says, “Storm Watch utilizes the expertise from its advisory board and campus staff to make recommendations regarding a variety of aspects of dealing with the pandemic, from changing the signage on campus to reflect social distancing to determining schedule changes and testing recommendations.” Su also notes that the “committee has members with extensive public-health experience from around the country and will do everything possible to help keep the Mercersburg community safe if, and when, school resumes in the fall.” In order to be best informed, the school is also communicating with its community to learn about how corporations, businesses, and other schools are operating. Hendrickson notes that they “are active partners in several webs of school partnerships and educational associations, including The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) and National Independent Schools Association (NAIS), along with several regional alliances with Pennsylvania independent schools and Mid-Atlantic boarding schools.” Head of School Katie Titus is also involved in a group of about 20 heads of school who are in communication. The committee is considering the environment and spaces (working, learning, interactive, and travel) in which the community works, learns, socializes, and plays. They are also focusing on emotional- and mental-health environments, which are just as critical to consider. Additionally, Hendrickson says they have set forth several recommendations, including protecting the unprotected and vulnerable, minimizing degrees of exposure and transmission,

• Jennifer Hendrickson Walsh ’03, Senior Manager of Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity, Mass General Brigham Healthcare System • Dr. H. Dean Hosgood III ’98, Associate Professor and Director of Global Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine • Shawn D. Meyers ’86, President Judge, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas • Col. Robert R. Naething ’74, Deputy to the Commanding General, U.S. Army North • Karen Pak Oppenheimer ’93, Consultant for the COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Unit, San Francisco Department of Health • Rachael Porter ’09, ORISE Fellow and Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • Dr. William T. Su ’88, Vascular Surgeon

SUMMER 2020

Storm Watch utilizes the expertise from its advisory board and campus staff to make recommendations regarding a variety of aspects of dealing with the pandemic, from changing the signage on campus to reflect social distancing to determining schedule changes and testing recommendations.

and managing any emergent exposures and illnesses effectively. Despite the widespread desire to return to normal, it is unrealistic to think that this can happen any time soon. Hendrickson says, “We’re reshaping human behavior to influence our culture in a good way, while keeping the community components that make Mercersburg what it is. I see

says Titus. However, Titus continues, “I also hope that everyone acknowledges that, until there is a vaccine for this virus, life on campus will not be the same, and there will be new expectations about activity and behaviors that we will all need to embrace.” It is evident that the Mercersburg community has been irreversibly

paths to bring our students back to campus, and I am also cognizant of what is beyond our control, like state shutdowns and federal regulations. Our focus is what is within our control, and that is a full-scale effort to reopen the Mercersburg campus.” While the physical campus may be reopened, it is certain that it will be different. Hendrickson comments that the school is perhaps being “more creative and thoughtful than [ever before].” While everyone appreciates the posters about cold and flu season on the back of the bathroom stall doors, minimizing the spread of COVID-19 will require a lot more work. Next year, students can expect new sanitizing standards, enhanced hygiene, and updated protocols for diagnosing and helping those who contract contagions. Symptom checking and contact tracing will be implemented. Potential spaces for isolation and quarantine may be added. A large part of reducing the spread of contagions is by restricting large gatherings or taking extra steps to make them safer. Doing this at Mercersburg is tough, especially because the community values spending time together. The committee is working to establish a way to continue these events, though they will be different. Ideas include staggered entry to communal spaces and wearing masks. Also, for school meetings in particular, maintaining socially distanced chairs in the Hale Field House or just having those virtually in pods or advisory groups are possible options. “We all want to be back on campus, living and learning together,”

changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whenever campus reopens and in-person experiences are restored, it is certain that new hygienic measures will be in place for the safety of the community. Titus says, “To have the privilege of being on campus together, we will need to make sacrifices.” Core elements of the Mercersburg community such as weekly school meetings, Harkness table discussions, and family-style meals may have to adapt to new guidelines of sanitation to cope with the constantly evolving situation whenever the administration as well as the task force deem it appropriate to reopen campus. As this process continues, Hendrickson says, “it means extensive research, planning, collaboration, and coordinated efforts from every member of our community. It’s both daunting and exciting, because Mercersburg will emerge as a stronger version of itself.” Editor’s note: A version of this story was first published in the Mercersburg News (mercersburgnews.com). Grace Lewis ’20 is editor-in-chief emeritus of the publication, and Jesse Zhang ’20 is design editor emeritus. To learn more about Storm Watch and its ongoing efforts to guide the school during this time, visit our website.

When Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order was lifted, employees began returning to Mercersburg to keep campus moving and maintained. We thank them for helping to prepare for the day when we can all return to school!

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

A Message

from the Outgoing Board of Regents President

Dear friends,

wanted to write to you all one last time as I finish my term as president of the Board of Regents and complete my 20th year of service to our school. Mercersburg has been in my heart and soul since I arrived on campus at 16 years old. Mine wasn’t a unique story; my

family was trying to find a safe place for me to finish my high-school education. What I didn’t appreciate was how deeply the school impacted my life after I left. As I have said many times, it saved my life. And the memories continue to do so to this day. During my tenure, the Board has continued to evolve in important ways. In recent years, we adopted new governance regulations, underwent a structural reorganization, and developed new committees to help see us into the 21st century. We have also safeguarded the endowment, introduced a risk and audit committee, and opened several new and exciting spaces—the Lloyd Aquatic Center, the Rutherford Health and Wellness Center, and the Prentiss Alumni and Parent Center at North Cottage. We have also implemented further training for teachers, created more student scholarships than ever before, installed a robust speaker program, and took the first steps in a dynamic strategic design process. All of this would not have been possible if the Board had not spearheaded the changes that were needed. I thank all of our Regents for their vision and for their love of the school. The change that COVID-19 brought was difficult, but the Board responded immediately by creating a special task force that has aided the school’s leadership in making key decisions during the initial response as well as providing ongoing support with future planning. That task force has done an exemplary job under difficult circumstances, and time will show that their work has been invaluable. Their guidance and support has enabled the school to protect all members of our precious school community, which remains the top priority as we enter the next school year. Despite the magnitude of disruption caused by the outbreak, Mercersburg has met the challenge head on. Head of School Katie Titus and the school constructed a robust virtual-learning program in record time and have since turned their full attention to delivering on our promise to see a safe return to school for all. Katie’s leadership in this effort has been remarkable, and it has been amazing to watch the school and its many dedicated staff and faculty rise to the occasion. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Courage is not having the strength to go on, it is going on when you don’t have the strength.”

SUMMER 2020

I am sure most of you have experienced this in the last few months, and I am proud of the Board and the school in this effort. It is worth noting that, even in light of what is happening across our

Pictured clockwise from top left: Mercersburg’s Board of Regents on campus in 2019; students serenade Debbie Simon for her birthday during the spring 2019 Board meetings; incoming Board of Regents President Stacie Rice Lissette ’85, P ’14, ’14, ’17, ’23.

globe, the school has continued to advance, undeterred by even the greatest obstacles. From increased engagement and educational events for alumni and the Admission Office once again filling the school, to virtual reunions and awe-inspiring college placement for the members of the Class of 2020, we have much to be proud of when it comes to our alma mater. On that same token, some of the most memorable moments for me personally over the last three years have occurred while attending the graduations of our seniors. Even the unexpected virtual graduation this year was handled with care, delivered with integrity, and was, most

There are more plans underway: perhaps a reinvention of the

importantly, filled with humor and joy. It was both heartwarming and

classrooms, the establishment of more learning experiences, the

meaningful. Given the extreme circumstances of this year’s graduation,

reimagination of the dining hall, and an examination of the Irvine

the school decided to establish a new graduation award in honor of

Memorial Chapel and spirituality on campus. As always, the goal is to

the Class of 2020 that will recognize one student each year who has

keep our students ahead of the curve as we face new demands in an

displayed exceptional resilience in the face of adversity. When possible,

ever-changing world.

the award will be presented to the recipient by a different member of the Class of 2020 at all future ceremonies. It has been a joy and wonder to me as I watch the students enter the school every year, their eyes full of hope and excitement. Then I watch

I am proud of what the Board has done. I am proud to be a member of the Long Blue Line. And most of all, I am proud to be among the many grateful alumni of this school. I encourage all of you to devote some part of your time, treasures,

their graduation and the community they develop at Mercersburg. Their

and talents to the maintenance of the school, and I urge you to come

allegiance to a cause greater than themselves has made them the next

back to campus, on your own or as part of a reunion. It is a chance to

great alumni class, and we all look forward to what the students will

remember when life was a little slower and to see the progress we have

bring back to the school.

made and the progress we will make. Reacquaint yourself with the

It has also been my extreme pleasure to work with Katie and the

majesty of the campus. It is still as magical as you remember: the crisp

entire faculty and staff. Katie leads with grace and dignity, as does every

October air, the smell of the first winter snow, and the beauty of spring.

employee at the school. It has been fun watching her embrace her role as

The quad is gorgeous, the new pool is a wonder, and the place is still the

head of school, and I have been able to see firsthand her growth during

warm, wonderful home it has always been.

the last three years. Looking to the future, I am filled with a sense of confidence in where Mercersburg Academy and the Board of Regents are headed. As my time as president comes to an end, I am excited to hand over the gavel to our new president, Stacie Rice Lissette ’85, P ’14, ’14, ’17, ’23

I leave you with a thought in this troubled time. Remember that there is always a North Star in your sky, and for me, that guiding light is Mercersburg. I will miss the pleasure of being part of it, but I know we have left it in good hands.

and vice president, Dean Hosgood ’98. They will take over at a critical time in our school’s history as we push to overcome the impact of

Stay safe, write often, and take care.

the global pandemic and confront the realities of the systemic racial inequities that exist in our nation. I have total confidence in both Stacie and Dean and look forward to seeing what they will do in the future.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

Deborah Joy Simon ’74

A Tribute to

Debbie Simon ’74, Board of Regents President (2017-2020)

By Katie Titus, Head of School

Left to right: Debbie Simon, Katie Titus, Magdalena Kala ’09, Diane Wynter ’74, and Amy Jones Satrom ’98 at Mercersburg in New York in January 2020.

t has long been understood in the independent-school world that the relationship between a head of school and her board chair is critical to the success of the school. I have been blessed, in my four years, with two incredible board

presidents—David Frantz ’60 and Deborah Simon ’74. While their leadership style as presidents could not have been more disparate, they have two important characteristics in common—they love Mercersburg Academy and will do anything to support the school, and they were stalwart supporters and guides for me as Mercersburg’s seventh and first female head of school. As I prepare to say goodbye to Debbie, I am compelled to reflect on her impact on Mercersburg and on me. In 2013, Debbie made a $100 million commitment to Mercersburg that set us on our current trajectory, building on the legacy of past alumni like Gerry Lenfest ’49. Her generosity was motivated because, using her words, “Mercersburg saved my life.” While I do not know exactly how true that statement is in a literal sense, I do know that Mercersburg was a safe haven for Debbie at a very tumultuous time in her life, despite the challenges of being among the first classes of girls at the school and being Jewish at a school with deep Christian roots. Having both of these lenses through which to guide the school have been useful to us, especially in recent years. Today, we celebrate not just Debbie’s philanthropy, but her lasting legacy on the Board. When she stepped into the role of president, she made clear four very distinct goals. First was to finish the transition of Mercersburg’s new head of school; second was to steer the school through to its next strategic plan; third was to modernize the governance structure of the Board; and fourth was to implement long-term financial planning to ensure the sustainability of place and program over time. I’ll let you decide how she did on transitioning the new head of school, but as for her other three goals, in only three years, Debbie oversaw the implementation of the 2018 Strategic Design and the restructuring of the Board of Regents, a structure that will be officially implemented in the fall of 2020. In addition, under her leadership, the school completed a campus facilities assessment to address deferred maintenance, and began work on defining access and affordability. Through it all, Debbie taught us to challenge the norm, to remember what makes Mercersburg special, and to always think about the future of the school. Despite all that we have accomplished with Debbie at the helm, the thing that I will most take away from her example is her mantra that reminds us that “it is all about the kids.” Whenever I wrestled with a difficult decision, Debbie had a brilliantly simple way of helping me see the solution by prompting me to remember what is most important—our students. Her devotion to Mercersburg is deeply rooted in the impact that the school had on her life and her desire to ensure that the school will continue to offer that impact to more students in the future.

SUMMER 2020

SUE MALONE Going the Distance by Ryan Bland ’21

or more than 30 years, Sue Malone has been a familiar face on Mercersburg’s campus. A past recipient of the school’s Zern Excellence in Teaching Award, Ms. Malone has left an indelible mark on students both inside and outside the classroom. While many know her as a chemistry teacher, cross country coach, or adviser,

her identity as an ultramarathoner and nature enthusiast has also been a critical aspect of her time at the Academy. Ms. Malone began her lifelong athletic career in high school, not as a runner, but through volleyball, swimming, and tennis. After high school, Ms. Malone had to step away from athletics. As the first person in her family to go to college, and standing at 5’2” tall, college athletics were not in Ms. Malone’s future. Nevertheless,

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

to running as a temporary way

and winter camping. It’s huge,

to think of her as a trailblazer,

to relieve the stress of raising

huge.” Ms. Malone also served

both inside and outside of

children and working full time. At

for a number of years as assistant

the Mercersburg community.

the time, she approached running

director of the MOE program.

However, despite her many

this way: “I was in my mid-20s

The experiences she gained

accomplishments, she is quick

when I realized that running

through MOE allowed her to

to deflect any praise. Ms. Malone

was a way for me to let my mind

take on the wilderness with

sees herself as a normal person

go free. While my body was in

full force. An avid hiker with a

doing what she loves. Behind all

motion, my mind was free to

deep connection to the west,

of her grand accomplishments

explore thoughts, hopes,

Ms. Malone has ascended 30 of

is her desire “to figure out what

and dreams.”

the 54 peaks in Colorado that

life is and the great existential

are more than 14,000 feet, and

questions we all have.”

After finding her passion, Ms. Malone was motivated

she conquered half of those

by her inner athlete to test

on her own. Among her many

to Mercersburg, Ms. Malone is

herself as far as humans can go:

accomplishments over the years,

retiring, but she clearly has no

through training for and racing

in 2011, Ms. Malone completed

desire to stop doing what she

ultramarathons, those longer

the double-crossing of the Grand

loves anytime soon. In retirement,

than 26.2 miles. Running became

Canyon, an experience that made

Ms. Malone plans on fulfilling

a way for her to combine her love

her feel like she was doing “what

her longtime dream of hiking the

of testing her physical limits

[she] was made to do.”

Pacific Crest Trail. Along with

and embracing nature. It’s little

As a student at Mercersburg,

After 38 years of service

many more running and hiking

wonder that she has coached both

I have learned more about life

adventures, she also hopes to visit

cross country and track & field at

from Ms. Malone than anything

the southern border and read to

Mercersburg. She is often asked

she could teach me in a chemistry

immigrant children.

why she runs so much, to which

classroom. I was struck by Ms.

Ms. Malone simply says she wants

Malone’s speech at Convocation

her time at Mercersburg, Ms.

“to be able to, at the drop of a hat,

2019 where she spoke about

Malone is thankful for the

go do all this crazy stuff.”

her journey and connection to

school’s support throughout

After many years of

Mercersburg, which motivated

her career. From teacher, coach,

ultramarathoning, Ms. Malone

me to interview and write about

and adviser to ultramarathoner

decided that it was time to

her for an English class project.

and adventurer, Sue Malone

step away from competing and

From our first interview to the

has certainly left an impact on

embrace challenging herself in

last, Ms. Malone’s story and love

Mercersburg Academy. For that,

the wilderness. She turned to

of Mercersburg and the outdoors

we are forever grateful.

Endeavor, a Mercersburg Outdoor

amazed me. Just as the rest of

Education (MOE) program where

the Mercersburg community

of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, is an

students learn to backpack and

does, I completely admire the

editor-in-chief of Blue Review, a

to fellow faculty member

live in winter conditions. For

persistence, motivation, and

Math & Science Center assistant, a

Jim Malone when she got to

13 years, Ms. Malone led the

humility that she carries with her

member of MAPS (Mercersburg’s

Mercersburg at the age of 24,

program, and as she helped

throughout life. From small chats

Advanced Program for Global

and since then, the couple has

students grow through their

in the lab to interviewing and

Studies), and a year-round dancer.

raised two children—Molly ’01

adventures, she grew at the same

writing about her, I am grateful

During the 2020-2021 school year,

and Jess ’03. Upon coming to

time. “If it wasn’t for MOE, and

for all the fun moments and

he will serve as a Mentor Leader

Mercersburg, Ms. Malone

specifically Endeavor, I don’t

wisdom Ms. Malone has shared

and president of the Marshall

reignited her athletic fire and

think I would have the confidence

with me.

Society. After Mercersburg, Ryan

began marathoning. A self-

that I have today,” she says. “I

described introvert, she turned

learned so much from Endeavor

Sue Malone and Ryan Bland ’21

she tuned into her adventurous personality throughout those years, taking herself to the western United States for the first time, a place with which she now has an incredibly close connection. Ms. Malone was engaged

Ms. Malone’s adventures lead many people like myself

When looking back over

Editor’s note: Ryan Bland ’21,

plans on studying economics and political science in college.

SUMMER 2020

RICHARD ROTZ No Ordinary Band Director By Jack Hawbaker, Faculty Emeritus

Richard Rotz (left) and Jack Hawbaker MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

t was probably sometime in

or composer was responsible for the

basis as director of the Octet, which is a

the spring of 1966 when I

current musical composition. He had a

position that he held until his retirement

first met Richard Rotz. I was

master’s degree in music history from

this year. In 2000, Richard was brought

finishing my freshman year at James

the University of Michigan, so I was at

on as the full-time music director.

Buchanan Junior-Senior High School in

a disadvantage. He took several of us

This once again brought us together

Mercersburg. The only band director that

band members to New York City where

as musical colleagues. In his time at

I had ever known was set to retire, and

I saw Man of La Mancha, which was my

Mercersburg, in addition to directing the

we were meeting our new director for the

first Broadway musical and ignited my

Octet, he has directed the Chorale, the

first time. In walked this young guy with

lifelong love of show tunes.

Concert Band, and the pit orchestra for

a crew cut who looked pretty ordinary to

Richard made being a band director

the winter musicals. My son Kyle was a

me. He started telling us the things that

look like so much fun, and I just knew

four-year Octet member, and I can tell

he wanted to do with the band, which

that’s what I was going to do with my

you that those young men hold a special

included writing music for us to perform,

life. I once told him that before I met

place in Richard’s heart and he in theirs.

and I vividly remember thinking he

him, I was going to be an architect. He

This is nowhere more evident than in

was crazy. In my mind, I knew that

responded by saying, “Oh, can you ever

the number of Octet reunions that

ordinary band directors couldn’t do that.

forgive me?” Believe me, there are no

Richard has organized, uniting

That was something better left to the

regrets. I owe my very rewarding career

generations of musicians in their

professionals. Well, I soon found out

in music to many people, but Richard

love for the school.

that Richard Rotz was no ordinary

was the catalyst of it all. For my first

band director.

teaching job, I returned to what was

timeline, you will understand that

now James Buchanan Middle School as

Richard has realized a 55-year career

halftime show at every home football

the band director while Richard served

in teaching and making music. We’ve

game, which meant that we may have

as my mentor in the high school.

all heard the old axiom, “Do what you

In those days we performed a new

If you’ve been following my

to learn a whole drill and new music

I would say that the three things

in a week. It was not unusual to have

most important to Richard are music,

your life.” I certainly know that has

Richard at the piano, hammering out

his church, and his family. I’m not

been true for me, and I know it has

a few new arrangements of the latest

sure which of the three Richard would

been for Richard as well. It is evident

popular song on a Wednesday, while

rank as number one, but I’m betting he

in the joy he exudes when conducting

some of us students feverishly copied out

would say family. In 1979 Richard felt

one of his groups in making music.

parts, so that we could learn the music

the pull of family to take a break from

Richard, thank you for the wonderful

and perform a flawless show by that

teaching to help his aging parents on a

way you have influenced my life and

Friday night. During his tenure at James

very successful farm and meat market

the thousands of students over your

Buchanan, Richard established a top-

in his hometown of McConnellsburg,

lifetime of fun.

notch marching band, as well as concert

Pennsylvania. His family pride is evident

love, and you will never work a day in

Editor’s note: Jack Hawbaker has

band and jazz band, and introduced the

in the license plate he still uses on his

spent his entire life living and teaching in

concept of a percussion ensemble that

car: ROTZHAM.

the town of Mercersburg. While a faculty

performed at a national music educators’ conference in Atlanta, Georgia. During the rest of my high-school

His 20-year hiatus from teaching

member at the Academy, he directed the

was still filled with music. In 1975 Richard

Jazz Band and taught the non-performing

was the driving force in organizing the

academic music courses, including music

band career, Richard sort of took me

Mercersburg Area Community Chorus.

history, music theory, computer music

under his wing. I remember many hours

He took over the podium of that group in

composition, and guitar & drums. He

driving with him in his car and listening

1976 and has brought together hundreds

retired in 2016 and continues to assist

to classical music on NPR because for

of fine vocalists from all over the area

the school. He and his wife, Karen, are

some reason that seemed to be the only

to build a top-tier musical organization

school drivers, and they both work in

radio station that ever worked in any

that rivals many groups from more

the school store. Karen also serves as

of his cars. He would often turn the car

metropolitan areas.

the Irvine Memorial Chapel wedding

on and then quiz me to see if I could identify which period of music history

In 1996, Richard joined Mercersburg Academy on a part-time

representative. The couple has two sons, Kip ’10 and Kyle ’14. SUMMER 2020

JEFF GOETZ Counting 30 Years of Service By Avery Cook, Grounds Supervisor

eff Goetz brought youthful enthusiasm

Lake with his sons, fishing in the Susquehanna,

as controller into the Mercersburg

hunting, and showing enthusiasm for

Business Office at a pivotal time,

everything outdoors.

arriving in 1990. It was a time of transitions

The measure and scope of Jeff’s

where changes started coming faster into the

contribution and commitment to the school

workplace. The use of computers and printers

is considerable. His efforts to represent and

was just starting to have an impact, and we

promote the best of Mercersburg—and the

were implementing new and better ways of

legacy that he leaves behind—are a great

tracking school operations.

foundation for the next generation to build upon.

The school itself was transitioning, too,

As Jeff takes on the new horizon of

in many ways. The long road of building up a

retirement, a lasting memory for many will be

financial base was starting to gain momentum.

his warm and enthusiastic greeting. Routinely,

Capital campaigns and major gifts from such

Jeff would open his Traylor Hall office well

benefactors as Gerry Lenfest ’49 ushered in new

before starting time, and in winter, he would

phases of expansion, including the construction

even spread ice melt on icy sidewalks around

of Lenfest Hall and the Burgin Center for

the building. I and others on the grounds

the Arts, residential additions, significant

crew would often tap on the window to get

changes to what is now the Goldthorpe Athletic

his attention and receive a wave in return.

Complex, and so much more. Jeff as controller

Jeff gained people’s respect. He was always

was integral to all of these improvements. His

encouraging no matter who you were or

qualifications, paired with the leadership of

where you came across his path, even

Gail Wolfe as chief financial officer and later

when he was immersed in his work. Jeff’s

Maria Kimsey as assistant head of school for

commanding presence in the Business Office,

finance and operations, helped to usher in so

his enthusiasm, and his positive outlook will

many of these changes. As controller, Jeff has

be missed.

been instrumental in balancing the budget,

Editor’s note: Avery Cook’s interest in nature,

completing pristine annual audits, and working

gardening, and landscape design led to his position

with the Board of Regents.

at Mercersburg. He oversees a campus of 300 acres,

Before Mercersburg, Jeff held key

which contains more than 200 species of plant

positions as international accountant with JLG

life. He supervises a team of employees who care

and senior accountant with Perdue Farms. His

for the campus and manage all mail and delivery

wife, Kim, and two sons, Ben ’07 and Nick, all

services. Avery, who studied landscape architecture

share his love of the outdoors. He could often be

at Purdue University, is also involved with the John

found after work canoeing on Meadow Grounds

McFadden Model Railroad Museum on campus.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

Jeff Goetz (right) and Avery Cook

SUMMER 2020

Acknowledging this Moment in History W

hile this issue was going to press, the country had a renewed and powerful awakening to racial injustices and inequality for our brown and black communities. We will be exploring these issues and sharing stories from our students, faculty, staff, and alumni in the winter 2021 issue. Until then, we invite you to read Head of School Katie Titus’ letter in this issue and explore our diversity, equity, and inclusion webpage at mercersburg.edu/ courageous-conversations, which includes current actions the school is taking to thoroughly and thoughtfully implement our DEI vision. We also wish to acknowledge that in June, there was a movement involving schools, colleges, and universities on Instagram where accounts were anonymously created allowing community members to share the experiences they’ve encountered within their school communities. Two accounts (@blackatmercersburg and @lgbtqatmercersburg) were created in reference to Mercersburg Academy, and while the content is difficult to read, it’s important that we acknowledge these stories, support these accounts, and listen to what is being shared. We welcome the continuation of these conversations and invite you to join us online and in the next magazine.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

“Coral Reef” in pastel by Virginia Jones ’21, of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Class

NOTES SUMMER 2020

CLASS NOTES

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: ROOMMATES AND COVID-19 Jim Kaurudar ’98 contacted Mercersburg after learning of his former

avoid such disaster, our research team attempts to help by creating

roommate’s work to help fight back against COVID-19. This is what he

a suitable environment which prevents the medical team from

had to say:

direct contact with the patients, but still allows the medical team to

My former roommate Worawat “Non” Meevasana ’98 posted on Facebook with some pictures of what he and his team

perform medical tasks (i.e., negative pressure environment). For example, if the patient is in a negative pressure room,

are working on to try and help combat the COVID-19 crisis. Non

the contaminated air will not leak out from the room and the

is dean of the Institute of Science at Suranaree University of

doctor can still diagnose the patient via sealed gloves passing

Technology in Thailand. Since I am not fluent in Thai, I used the

through a portal. Although our materials science research team

translate feature on Facebook to see what they were doing. My

was not trained for building medical equipment to begin with,

heart was full of pride, and I sent Non a loud swelling (private

we are able to adapt the concept of a cleanroom, which we use

message) cheer and asked if he could tell me more about what

for battery research to create such medical negative pressure

they were working on since I don’t understand science. (Sorry,

rooms (NER). In our attempt, we are working on creating three

Mr. Gift, it was definitely me, not you.) I am just so proud of Non

prototypes: 1. Indoor NER for patients on beds; 2. Outdoor NER

and his team and wanted to share with Mercersburg. When we

for doctors to do COVID-19 swab tests; 3. Mobile NER patient bed

were at Mercersburg, Non was always working on experiments or

with energy storage backup.

art projects outside of his actual assigned classwork, so I am not

The first outdoor negative pressure room, which was made

surprised at all that he jumped in to be part of the team to quickly

from a shipping container, was finished and delivered to the local

come up with solutions to try and protect patients as well as the

hospital on April 2, 2020. The outdoor one has a negative pressure

medical teams treating those patients.

room for patients and a positive pressure room for the health care providers. This prevents the health care providers from direct

From Non:

exposure to the virus, saves on personal protective equipment,

Due to the COVID-19 situation, medical teams face the

and still allows them to perform patient assessments. The rest of

challenge of protecting themselves with limited resources. An

the prototypes will follow and the information and blueprints for

early case of a COVID-19 patient in Nakhon Ratchasima Province,

rapid production will later be provided online.

Thailand, led to the quarantine of 20 doctors who were in contact

I thank the team members who are working on this project.

with the patient before being tested positive. This caused a big

Even though the weather is very hot, the fire of the desire to help

shortage for the medical teams to take care of additional cases. To

is even hotter to move through this COVID-19 pandemic together.

Non Meevasana ’98 (top left) and his fellow team members work on negative pressure environments.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

Weddings

CLASS NOTES

Shayna Rice ’11 married José Alejandro Vera July 30, 2019.

 Alicia Krawczak ’05 married Justin Wendlandt April 27, 2019. Pictured left to right: Ryan ’05 and Taylor Miller Reid ’05, Alicia and Justin, Kate Eckhart Flessner ’05, and Kate’s husband Max Flessner.  Rahde Franke ’06 married Meghan Haley-Quigley September 7, 2019.

 Ashley Heisey ’12 married Bruce McLaughlin ’10 in the Irvine Memorial Chapel on October 26, 2019. Pictured left to right: Emily Schoenberger ’15, Alyssa Glass (sister of Rebecca Glass ’15), Sarah Allen ’12, Ashley, Bruce, Abby Colby ’12, Ed Carroll ’10, and Jake Fries ’10.

Natalie Hopkins ’09 married Dillon Taylor October 5, 2019, in Lewes, Delaware. Pictured left to right: Shane Raley (son of Robert Raley ’75), Kenneth Hopkins, Suzette Raley Hopkins ’81, Natalie, Dillon, Peggy Raley-Ward ’85, and Sherman Ward.

Agnes Schrider ’81 married Sharon Roberts in Afton, Virginia, in October 2019. Pictured front row (L-R): Leslie Fedon Harrison ’81, Pilar Diaz Benassi ’78, former faculty member Debbie Rutherford, Sharon, Agnes, Agnes’ children Katie Coleman and Victor Schrider, and Sharon’s children Liam and Eve Berndt. Back row: Karen Fredey Rodi ’81, Lynn Brewer Price ’80, Janet James ’81, and former faculty member Frank Rutherford ’70.

Megan Filkowski ’01 married Dave Frank November 9, 2019, in Blue Ridge, Georgia. John Koontz ’95 married Jessica Teague February 29, 2020.  Whitney Pezza ’05 married Amir Bagherzadeh November 16, 2019. Pictured left to right: John Marino ’05, Sonya Karbach Marino ’05, Kyle Taylor ’05, Amir, Whitney, Natalie Blackburn ’05, Nick Ventresca ’05, Max Weidman ’05, and Jeff Greenberg ’05. SUMMER 2020

CLASS NOTES

Births/Adoptions

Megan Connole Siragusa ’02 and her husband, Christopher, welcomed a son, Cruz Taylor, February 25, 2019.

Aaron Cohen ’97 and his wife, Beth, welcomed a daughter, Carolina Green, August 31, 2019. Carolina joins big sister, Sylvie.

Tori Yoder ’16 and her family welcomed a son, Romari James, September 14, 2019.

Phil Bryant ’08 and his wife, Jackie, welcomed a son, August Marshall, November 1, 2019.

Staff member Amanda Zeis and her family welcomed a son, Deacon Tyler Kulp, November 2, 2019.

Liz Stockdale ’02 and her husband, former staff member Will Reiners, welcomed a daughter, Virginia Hughes Reiners, November 12, 2019.

Ryan Colby ’07 and his wife, Karin, welcomed a daughter, Eva Brown, December 7, 2019.

Staff member Jacquelyn Ross Grace ’07 and her husband, JJ, welcomed a daughter, Tae Nola, December 16, 2019. Tae joins big sister, Elle.

Faculty and staff members Cory and Jessica Bontrager welcomed a son, Ian Graham, January 22, 2020.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

CLASS NOTES

Elizabeth Wilber Matthews ’05 and her husband, Joe, welcomed a son, James Wilber, November 13, 2019.

Ryan Reid ’05 and Taylor Miller Reid ’05 welcomed a daughter, Eliana Grace, December 17, 2019. Eliana joins big brothers, Owen and Evan.

Heidi Anderes Hollier ’01 and her husband, Kent, welcomed a son, Gus Feller, February 5, 2020. Gus joins big sister, Tilly. Pictured L-R: Heidi, Sabina Rizzo ’12, Tilly, Liza Rizzo ’11, and Laura Dupré ’77 with Gus.

Faculty member Tim Kerr and his wife, Carrie, welcomed a son, Benjamin Oliver, March 8, 2020. Benjamin joins big sister, Riley, and big brother, Hayden.

Sean Doherty ’02 and his wife, Katia, welcomed a son, Rory Patrick, March 18, 2020. Rory joins big brother, Jamie.

Elissa Thorne Shashai ’06 and her husband, Endrit, welcomed twin sons, Thomas Benjamin and Henry Naim, April 10, 2020. The twins are also the grandchildren of faculty and staff members Tom and Barb Thorne.

Jessica Miga Brauzer ’05 and her husband, Andrew, welcomed a daughter, Josephine Quinn, December 22, 2019.

Staff member José Nuñez and his wife, Andrea, welcomed a son, Rafael Marco, March 14, 2020.

Leigh Swiger Moynihan ’06 and her husband, Greg, welcomed a son, Callum Thomas, March 17, 2020. He joins big brother, Iain, and big sister, Fiona.

David Ashton ’06 and his wife, Kelly, welcomed a son, Theo Emanuele, April 10, 2020.

SUMMER 2020

CLASS NOTES

sion s i m Sub dline is a De next issue 0 202 , 1 r obe Oct

for

the

Toward the end of 2019, Frank Calandra ’55 was inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.

Submit class notes via email to classnotes@mercersburg.edu or online at mercersburg.edu/ classnotes. The submission deadline for the next issue is October 1, 2020. Submission does not guarantee publication. Mercersburg reserves the right to edit submissions for space or content, and is not responsible for more than reasonable editing or fact-checking. When submitting a photo, please provide the highest-quality version possible, and include the names of all persons pictured and their Mercersburg class years. Due to size and quality considerations, some images may not be suitable for print.

’47 Todd Young’s wife, Doris, passed away November 30, 2019.

’50 Patricia Farnsworth Yoder, wife of Lee Yoder, died December 21, 2019.

’57 In a recent article published by Utah Historical Quarterly, Kent Ahrens discusses the 1919 Boston War Memorial Convention, which sought the best ways to remember and honor casualties of the Great War. Herb Myers writes to say, “Life is still good!”

’59 Dale Richard Perelman published his eighth book, New Castle’s Kadunce Murders: Mystery and the Devil in Northwest Pennsylvania, under the History Press’ true-crime label.

’65 Peter Deyoe and his wife, Christina, spent 62

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

the winter months in Desert Hot Springs, California, as full-time RVers, having sold the family home in Portland, Oregon. Jim Porter shares that in June 2019, he 70th testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on the global biodiversity crisis. One year later, he was awarded the Eminence in Researchth 65 Award from the International Coral Reef Society for his work on the effects of global warming on coral reefs.

60th

’66 55th George Burroughs is retired from the ministry, and other than a little arthritis, he says he 50isth healthy and doing well.

’68

45th

Milton (Mick) Heller III shares that he has published Mick’s Bag, a collection of 12 short stories, which is available from Politics and 40th Prose in Washington, D.C. A career journalist, including 15 years at The Washington Post, Mick is also the author of a coming-of-age novel, A Long Run Home. 35th

30th

CLASS NOTES

Steve Kozloff ’58 and his brother, Ken, stop for a picture after completing the Tour de Scottsdale ride in Arizona last October. Steve finished with the best time in his age group.

Fred Klein ’72 and former faculty member Floyd Robinson at World Series Game 6 in Houston in October 2019.

Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus and co-founder of the Rehoboth Beach Cape Gazette, was honored by Common Cause Delaware last October with the Russell Peterson Public Service Award. The venue for the celebration was the clubhouse at Baywood, southern Delaware’s premier golf club, which is owned and operated by Robert Tunnell ’72 and his son.

very fun and festive time for the Class of ’69. I wish all of you members continued luck and success. I credit the Academy for giving me the ability to make complex and challenging decisions about public housing, water and sewer infrastructure, waste facilities management, and other projects to be completed as proposed and designed.”

’69 Bill Averell writes to say that he is now in his 43rd year as a program planner and grants administrator. “I studied urban affairs and regional planning in college, and worked as a county planner in Eastern Kentucky (Johnson County) for the first six years of my career,” he says. “My current assignment is to manage the administration of EPA-funded water and sewer drinking water and sewage treatment projects in municipalities in Kentucky. My good, lovely wife Ashley and I live in the same house in Frankfort my parents built in 1954, and her parents bought in 1968. We repurchased this same residence the year we were married, 1985. Our home has been in the same family now for 66 years! We saw our son, Randle, marry his bride Megan in Naples in 2019, and we visited Santa down in Florida in December. It sure sounded like the 50th reunion was a

’70

70th

Steve Crawshaw shares that he is a semi- th 65 retired physician, traveling around the country in his RV with Rebecca, his wife of more than 36 years. Both his sons live in the Atlanta area. His older son, Eric, is married and welcomed 60th a child in June 2019. Steve’s son, Mark, is studying to be a family nurse practitioner while working as an ER nurse.

55th

’71

Frank Balzebre ’72 and his son, Tony Balzebre ’03, clean up coconut groves near their home in Miami, Florida.

’73 James Ruth shares that he has retired and moved south. Mycologist Paul Stamets serves as the primary guide to the incredible mushroom in Louie 70th Schwartzberg’s documentary Fantastic Fungi, which first appeared in theaters in fall 2019.

’73

65th

Adrienne Fredey Stuart’s father, Charles Fredey, passed away May 18, 2019.

60th

’75 55th

Mike deMoya shares that he is retired after 40 years in the government with assignments along the Eastern Seaboard.

50th 50th

After 48 years as part of the Case Western Reserve University community, Dean 45th Patterson retired in December as the associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

’76 45th Page Lansdale’s wife, Lyn, passed away January 13, 2020.

40th

40th SUMMER 2020

35th

CLASS NOTES

70th

65th

th up Douglas Corwin ’79 and Laura Tostevin Sacchi ’79 60met at Big Sky in Montana to ski last January.

’79

55th

Douglas Corwin shares that last fall he was elected to the Borough Council in East th 50 Washington, Pennsylvania, and began his fouryear term in January. He and his wife, Lucy Northrop Corwin ’80, are doing well.

45th

’81 40

After completing 37 years of U.S. government service, JD Koch reports that he has retired 35th to Budapest, Hungary, with his wife, Barbara, and youngest son, Tobias. In order to avoid becoming the “house elf,” he is working in a part-time, on-call capacity for Valiant30th Integrated (a U.S. defense contractor) on the Romanian Armed Forces Joint Training Program contract as the senior simulation operations training specialist. He works 25th mostly from home, with occasional travel to Bucharest, Fagaras, Buzău, and Constanta, Romania. He is looking forward to (possibly) returning to the States next summer for20 theth class reunion. David Wagner shares that he recently retired

15th

In October 2019, Guido Porcarelli ’83 was appointed as an associate judge of the District Court of Maryland. In attendance for the investiture ceremony (and pictured left to right) are Guido’s dad Francesco, Joe Noel ’83, Ted Smith ’83, Wirt Winebrenner ’82, Lisa Winebrenner ’81, Andy Alpert ’82, Guido’s brother Rob Porcarelli ’87, Guido, Wirt Winebrenner ’54, and faculty members Tom ’74 and Susan Rahauser.

70th and moved his primary residence to Bonita Springs, Florida. He and his wife, Kathy, plan to travel and have already been on an African 65th safari. “If you are in Florida during the winter or Pittsburgh in the summer, come visit us,” he says. “We would love to see you.”

’84

60th

Ann Quinn was nominated to the Top 100th 55 Women in Maryland by The Daily Record. As a three-time winner, she will be inducted into the Circle of Excellence.

’85

50th

Glenn Houck recently launched MyVictoryth 45 Wellness, an at-home exercise and community platform geared toward cancer survivors and the friends and family who support them.

40th

’86 35th In December 2019, Shawn Meyers was sworn in as president judge of the 39th Judicial th

Scott Sundstrom ’83 (center) was named the 2019 Northern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Scott is the head golf professional at Youngstown Country Club.

District of Pennsylvania, which serves Franklin and Fulton counties (Mercersburg is located in Franklin County).

10th ’88 Iain Martin has joined General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, as a 5th technical writer. Melvin Stewart, Olympic gold medalist and co-founder of swimming news organization

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MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

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CLASS NOTES

PEGGY NORTHROP ’72 TAKES THE HELM AT WATERMARK In February 2020, Peggy Northrop ’72 was named CEO of Watermark, an organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that seeks to increase the number of women in leadership roles. Northrop has held executive positions for well-known

publications such as Glamour, Vogue, and

Real Simple, and won numerous industry awards as editor-in-chief of More, Reader’s Digest, and Sunset Publishing.

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Michael Hatfield ’85 caught up with his former roommate Sal Romanello ’85 in New York City. “It was great to connect after several years!” he says. He encourages fellow alums to reach out if they are ever in Houston, where Michael lives and works.

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SwimSwam, participated on a free webinar panel in April to discuss when it might be safe to return to normal in the world of swimming 55th following COVID-19 and what that return might look like.

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Watermark, a nonprofit, holds workshops, webinars, and conferences that aim to promote women and prepare them for holding leadership positions. These were subjects that already interested Northrop from working in the magazine world, and when she was approached about the job, she realized it “was a way of following my mission in a new form.” “Watermark was all the things that I cared about without the printed pages,” she says. “It seemed too good to pass up.” Northrop had been doing private consulting, and while she enjoyed the freedom, she noted that “you give people your best advice, but they don’t necessarily take it.” Being based in the Bay Area, it has been great for Northrop to get to know so many people and really feel like she is having an impact: “If you’re running an organization, you can actually make some changes. You can do things quickly. And I love that.”

Andrew Wilkinson was appointed the sixth judge for Washington County (Maryland) th 45 Circuit Court.

Along with the new task of being CEO and learning about what it really means for an organization to be a nonprofit, Northrop has particularly enjoyed defining women’s leadership: “What does it mean, what do we bring to the table, and what is the future state of that?”

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The future is even more unclear at the moment amid the COVID-19 crisis. Watermark has been operating completely online despite being a live, event-driven business. Although the pandemic took hold right when she took the helm in late

Joseph Robert Santoro, father of Marco Santoro, passed away June 19, 2019.

February, she has been asking, “What does this crisis give us in terms of opportunity?”

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Holding virtual programs at Watermark has been a success. “I didn’t expect that,” Northrop says. “I thought of doing it virtually as second best, but we can use this technology to connect with each other in a deeper way. We have to be very intentional about it, but it is possible.”

30th Peter Murray says, “I attended Mercersburg for a year as a postgrad. How the time flies! 25th My wife (Catherine F. Schott Murray) and I live in Northern Virginia with our three kids, Caroline (7), Hannah (5) and Andrew (2.5). Catherine is an estates and trusts attorney, 20th

Northrop doesn’t view the pandemic as an obstacle, but rather a way to take time and examine what is working well and what could be changed. That doesn’t just go for Watermark; she acknowledges that the crisis has benefited the environment and has made us take a moment to pause in our hectic lives: “That’s always been a passion.

10th

Looking at the way the world is set up and trying to think: Shouldn’t we be able to do this a different way?” —Clara Getty ’21

5th SUMMER 2020

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CLASS NOTES

Meredith Glah Coors ’95, who chaired her 25th reunion originally scheduled for June 2020, ran into Bebe Lloyd ’94, who chaired her 25th reunion in June 2019, on the slopes of Vail, Colorado, this past February.

Four alums met up in Denver last fall. Pictured left to right: Matthew Rutherford ’03, Stephon Fullerton ’06, Jessica Malone ’03, and Shelby Hoffman ’06.

and I have my own IT service company, with clients in Virginia, D.C., and Pennsylvania. I really enjoyed the 25th reunion in 2016 and am looking forward to our 30th in 2021! I discovered that one of my new neighbors is Andrew Kerr ’94!”

Jessica Peterson Richardson just completed her 20th year as a St. Johns County (Florida) educator and was recently named the 2019 St. Johns County Principal of the Year.

Ema Naito-Bhakdi says that after living in Bangkok for more than a decade, her family moved to Singapore in 2019. She’s an independent academic editor, helping clients in the social sciences and international development. Her husband, Sebastian, is busy bringing his new, early prostate-cancer detection technology to Europe and Asia through his company, X-Zell.

’92 Michael Kidd was highlighted in his hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, for supporting U.S. Navy missions based in Naples, Italy. He has spent 16 years in the Navy and serves as a chief of logistics plans and programs as a member of the Navy’s Sixth Fleet.

’95 Maximilian Merrill plans to open Ponfeigh Distillery in Somerset Township, Pennsylvania, in spring 2021. A story about the distillery was published in February in the food and drink section of triblive.com.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

’97 Aaron Cohen shares that he just finished his 15th year teaching in Boston Public Schools.

’98 Molly Lavelle Fetters has lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, since 2006. She has two daughters, Zoe (4) and Annabelle (2), and loves having the opportunity to connect with Mercersburg friends on their travels. She and Taylor Phillips are both in Jackson Hole, and their kids play together regularly. Jeffrey LaSalle Pierson, father of Kristine Pierson Kennedy, passed away January 4, 2020. Amy Schemmerling writes to say that she received a promotion to director of familybased services at Momentum Services LLC, based out of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in February 2019. SangYong (Paul) Yun shares that alumni in Korea and their families had a year-end meeting last November in Seoul. Those alums in attendance included Paul, Jeongwook Heo,

Seungsoo Chung, Eddie Kang ’99, and Keonho (Andy) Park ’01. Paul says, “It was the first time meeting with all families, and we’d love to continue every year (and hope to expand it). Too bad we all forgot to take a group photo!”

’99 Sabina Bragg defended her dissertation, “Parental Shared Reading Intervention: Examining the Effects of Structured Parental Reading Training on Vocabulary Acquisition in Children Undergoing Treatment for Leukemia.” She received a Ph.D. in educational psychology from CUNY Graduate Center. Patricia Rennert, head of industry solutions at Porsche Digital, was recently featured on Medium.com, where she discussed what her job entails and why digital transformation is especially exciting for women in the automotive industry.

’00 Michael Galey was elected president of the West Chester Borough Council in West Chester Borough, Pennsylvania, in January. Nishant Kerikatte and his wife, Holly, were recently featured on NPR. Holly found a safe way to bring her neighborhood together during COVID-19 social distancing: a safe-distance talent show. Nishant can be heard in the story,

60th CLASS NOTES

55th 70th

50th kicking off the talent show with a comedy routine.

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Dianna Lora writes to say that she got a promotion at work and is now an account manager for Uplay, working with partnerships th and production. She still lives in Malmo,40 Sweden, with her cat, Luna, and her dog, Vega. “If anyone is going to be in the area, come say hi,” she says.

Jessica Shartle Duvall writes in from North Carolina to say, “I’m working at home now (during the COVID-19 crisis) as I have been 30th for the last three years. For the last 16 years, I’ve been involved in the pharma research industry.”

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John Dawes ’05 and Katie Sabri Dawes ’07 stopped by campus for a visit with their daughter, Quinn, last October. (Pictured: the family with staff member Amy Hendrickson.)

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Medora Hartz Westcott ’06 (right) visited with Lee ’06 and Maddie Deupree Banta ’06 and their son Henry (a future member of Mercersburg’s Class of 2037) while in Houston for work.

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’01

Adrienne Herr-Paul moved to her hometown of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and teaches th 15 yoga and Gyrokinesis method classes in Greencastle and Chambersburg. Sierra Nixon’s father, Lonnie, passed away December 24, 2019. Nigel Sussman works as an illustrator and muralist in Berkeley, California, and was recently featured in Oakland Magazine.

’02 Peter Baker’s article “‘We Can’t Go Back to Normal’: How Will Coronavirus Change the World?” was published in the March 31 issue of The Guardian. Seth Greenberg is living in Oakland, California, with his wife, Cindy, and dog, Toro. He recently took a new role as the director of new-market operations at Honor, which works to create a better home-care experience across the country.

40th

35th th 0 Pamela Aquino ’06 shares that she went to Tanzania in September 2019 for seven days with a team from her job,

Salesforce, to volunteer with Make a Difference. “We helped young women to create emails, learn to use computers, and we even learned some Swahili with student lessons!” she says. “It was a life-changing trip and really helped give us perspective on life and really was a great team-building trip.” Pamela (standing, fourth from right) and the Salesforce group are pictured here with the principal of Royal School in Moshi. 30th

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Elicia “Chelsey” Lair received a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in social psychology with a concentration in quantitative methods. She is an assistant professor at Kennesaw State University.

Matt LeBorious is living in Hedgesville, West Virginia. He recently got married and is working as a software engineer at Forcepoint.

Shelby Keefer wrote the article “Women are Often the ‘Default Parent’—How to Avoid Gender Roles During COVID-19 School Closings,” which appeared on scarymommy.com in March. Jessica Malone was featured on multiple news outlets, including BBC.com and FIFA.com, for her soccer-inspired journey that took her to 59 matches across three continents in six months.

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’06 15th Rahde Franke earned an MBA from New York University in 2018 and now works in management consulting for Capgemini Invent. In September, he married his partner, Meghan Haley-Quigley. They live in Brooklyn, New York, with several plants and their 13-year-old dog-son, Bruiser. SUMMER 2020

CLASS NOTES

Shelby Hoffman is living in Denver, where she works for Noodle, helping to create online learning solutions for universities. She is excited to see everyone at the 15th reunion next year. Jason Hsu lives in San Francisco and works for Airbnb’s Media Operations team. He also works as a freelance photographer and surfs in his spare time.

GRETCHEN WARNER ’97 APPOINTED HEAD OF THE MADEIRA SCHOOL Gretchen Warner ’97 has been named head of school at The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, effective July 1. Warner just completed her 15th year at The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles, where she served as director of the upper school. She has taught chemistry and served as Archer’s dean

’07

of academic affairs, dean of students,

Alex Gekas Selby lives in San Francisco, where she is vice president at Callahan & Associates. In March, she participated in a panel consisting of female leaders in the credit union field in celebration of International Women’s Day.

tenure there.

and STEM coordinator during her Warner is the 10th head of school at Madeira, an all-girls’ boarding and day school with an enrollment of 325 students. “I love when people ask me, ‘What do you do for a living?’” Warner says. “While

’08

I will soon be the head of The Madeira School, I think of my principal occupation as

Robert Nagel’s article “What the Pandemic Means for UN Peacekeeping Work” was published in April by PassBlue, a website providing independent coverage of the United Nations.

the world. As a teacher and administrator, I know how critical it is to teach girls in the

building, shaping, and innovating a school that develops the future female leaders of way they thrive—with hands-on learning and making the work relevant and applicable to relationships.” Warner and her husband, Robin Laqui, are both originally from the eastern U.S., and met as undergraduates at Virginia Tech. (Warner grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania; after completing her bachelor’s degree, she earned a master’s from the

Clayton Young has completed active duty in the U.S. Navy and transitioned to a role in the reserves. He began working for Accenture in Chicago in September 2019.

University of Virginia.) “As a classroom teacher and while taking on more significant leadership roles as an administrator, I have loved learning about the ways schools work and what makes them highly functional and collaborative, and I have continually sought out ways I can serve a school’s mission from multiple perspectives,” she says. “All of this has led me

’09

down the path to headship and ultimately to Madeira.”

James Mauro Jr., father of Andrew Mauro, passed away December 25, 2019.

for the Marshall Society, and a dormitory prefect in South Cottage.

As a student at Mercersburg, Warner was captain of the swim team, a declaimer Athletic teams from Mercersburg and Madeira meet each year in a number of sports as part of the M Cup competition, a yearlong multisport competition between

’10 Taria Griffin works in the hospitality industry in the greater Washington, D.C., area. In addition to her position at Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen as the assistant general manager, she assisted in the opening of a new restaurant, Viaggio, and is the owner of Ama la Vita, an event company that assists brides with wedding preparations. 68

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

the two schools. (Mercersburg won the inaugural competition in 2018-2019, and the Blue Storm downed the Snails, 14-4, in the fall and winter seasons in 2019-2020.) The event was established by Mercersburg’s director of athletics Rick Hendrickson (who, incidentally, served as Warner’s adviser while she was a student at Mercersburg) and then-Madeira athletic director Katie LaRue (who served as Mercersburg’s associate athletic director and head girls’ basketball coach from 2011 to 2016; LaRue recently became the athletic director at Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina).

CLASS NOTES

Mercersburg alumni connected at a campaign event for Sam Rodgers ’11, who is a candidate for the New York State Senate in District 53. Pictured left to right: Dave Flanagan ’81, Doug Comer ’76, Sam, John Rodgers ’79, and Bill Flanagan ’76.

Nikolai Paloni’s company, Ombraz Sunglasses, won the Bend Outdoor Worx Outdoor StartUp Competition. The prize was $10,000.

’11 10th James Darcangelo, father of Jaret Darcangelo, passed away March 28, 2020. 5th Laken Lynch has opened her own law practice in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, specializing in child-focused family law. She is excited to see 0th everyone at the 10th Reunion next year.

2011 classmates Harrison Brink and Nikki Wolny met up for lunch and a chance to reminisce while Harrison was in the Bay Area on a golf trip.

Megan Kearley is still in Sydney, Australia, pursuing a master’s degree in nutritional science. Leah Selznick is relocating this summer from Richmond, Virginia, to San Antonio, Texas, for her residency as part of the clinical pharmacy postgraduate year one at University Health System.

’13 Julius Everke is attending Columbia University in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in sports management. He is excited to be back in the U.S. to reconnect with all of his Mercersburg friends.

Lane deCordova ’12 met Arnold Schwartz ’42 at the October 2019 wedding in Los Angeles of Lane’s Bucknell University sorority sister, Kate Price—who also happens to be Arnold’s granddaughter. Lane and Arnold graduated from Mercersburg 70 years apart, but their Mercersburg experiences were strikingly similar, as both were Irving Declamation winners!

’12 Vanessa Anyanso is pursuing a Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She recently was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Lane deCordova achieved her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification in November 2019. She continues to work as a financial planner at Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management division in New York City.

Alumni met for dinner in Washington, D.C., last fall. Pictured left to right: Claire Sabol ’11, Christina Hyrkas ’13, Leah Selznick ’12, Zoe Alpert ’14, Michaella Hoehn-Saric ’13, Kiersten Sydnor ’12, and Miranda Lang ’13.

SUMMER 2020

CLASS NOTES

Jerry Li writes to say that he has moved to London, where he is working for Google as a research engineer.

’14 Andrew Kim is completing a master’s degree in orchestra conducting at Ithaca College, where he has had the opportunity to conduct many works, including Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 this past fall.

’15 Ugo Okolie is teaching math and science and coaching soccer at Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York.

Mercersburg faculty, staff, and alums connected to support Matt Athanas-Linden ’16, Gnim Bazim ’17, Kane Doyle ’16, and Lance Lysiak ’17 when the four Muhlenberg soccer players went head-to-head against Dickinson College in October 2019. Pictured from left to right: Renee Hicks, Kane, Jack Hawbaker, Lance, Eric Hicks, Matt, Jim Kaurudar ’98, Amy Mohr, and José Nuñez.

10th

’16 5th Gabby Fraser, a senior on the William Smith College squash team, was named the Liberty 0th League Performer of the Week five times during her final season. John Huang graduated this spring from Carnegie Mellon University and will attend Yale University in the fall to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. He ran into classmate Elliot Hicks during the Yale revisit day program; Elliot was also accepted to Yale but has decided to pursue graduate school at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

Sarah Lyman served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 18 months in Uruguay. She finished her mission in July 2019 and is completing her studies at Brigham Young University. Molly Taylor shares that she has been offered the opportunity to play professional basketball next season for the Newcastle Eagles in England, while working toward a master’s degree in sport and performance psychology.

’17 Maddi Jones is in her third year as a cadet at the U.S. Naval Academy. She is majoring in chemistry and was named Squad Leader Midshipman of the Month in January 2020. She will be the commander for Alpha Company during Plebe Summer 2020.

’18 Abigail Voce was named the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Swimmer of the Week in November 2019 and was a member of the league’s relay team of the week. She just finished her sophomore year at Babson College.

FACULTY/STAFF/FRIENDS Cecil Hargrove, father of former faculty member Brian Hargrove, father-in-law of former staff member Linda Hargrove, and grandfather of Lois Hargrove ’21, passed away March 27, 2020.

CLASS NOTES

HONORING OUR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

RECOGNIZING FACULTY AND STAFF As part of our virtual Reunion Weekend, the Alumni Council honored faculty and staff retirements and service to Mercersburg. Four faculty and staff members retired at the end of the 2019-2020 school year: Sue Malone P ’01, ’03, science faculty (38 years); Richard Rotz, arts faculty (24 years); Jeff Goetz P ’07, controller (30 years); and Paula Moran, facilities housekeeping (12 years).

Deborah J. Simon ’74

Paul C. Mellott Jr. ’70

In addition to Malone and Goetz, the following faculty and staff were saluted for 25 or more years of service:

During Mercersburg’s virtual reunion for class years ending in 0

Rita Barone P ’03, health and wellness center director

and 5, the school recognized and honored a number of individuals.

(26 years); Avery Cook, facilities grounds supervisor

The Class of ’32 Distinguished Alumnus Award is Mercersburg’s

(35 years); David Grady P ’16, ’22, mathematics faculty

highest honor, presented annually to an alum who has most

(26 years); Bill Hege, facilities department (36 years);

distinguished himself or herself through character, service, and

Rick Hendrickson P ’03, ’06, ’19, director of athletics

achievement. This year the school recognized Deborah J. Simon ’74

(27 years); Eric Hicks P ’16, ’19, science faculty (28 years);

and Paul C. Mellott Jr. ’70.

Trini Hoffman P ’00, ’06, director of student activities

Mercersburg’s Alumni Council announced the 2020 recipients

(26 years); Dave Holzwarth ’78, P ’11, ’13, science faculty

of six awards presented to alumni for their service and leadership.

(30 years); Jyl Hoover, registrar (39 years); Peter Kempe

This year’s honorees include:

P ’09, ’13, ’18, language faculty (26 years); Jim Malone P ’01, ’03, science/mathematics faculty (40 years); Linda McCombie, facilities office manager (28 years); Amy Mohr, senior associate director of regional engagement (26 years); Susan Rahauser P ’05, ’07, ’12, director of student counseling services (29 years); Andy Schroer P ’07, ’08, mathematics faculty (34 years); Susan Simar P ’86, ’90, ’91, admission receptionist (31 years); Allison Stephens P ’11, ’13, history faculty (33 years); and Tom Thorne P ’06, ’07, language faculty (27 years).

Top row (left to right): Rick Witmer ’70, Jim McClelland ’55, Ivon Rohrer ’60. Bottom row: Gill Tatman-Tyree ’95, Andrew Miller ’00, Alexis Imler Gray ’05.

Call for Award Nominations This year’s Alumni Council Award winners will be saluted

• Rick Witmer ’70, recipient of the Alumni Council Medal for Distinguished Achievement • Jim McClelland ’55, recipient of the Alumni Council Medal for Distinguished Service • Ivon Rohrer ’60, recipient of the Alumni Council Medal for Distinguished Service

along with the 2021 award recipients on campus in June 2021. If you know a member of a class ending in 1 or 6 who is living Mercersburg’s mission by leading in their community or in outstanding service to their alma mater, please consider nominating them for an award by sending a note to alumni@mercersburg.edu.

• Gill Tatman-Tyree ’95, recipient of the Alumni Council Prize for Achievement • Andrew Miller ’00, recipient of the Alumni Council Prize for Service • Alexis Imler Gray ’05, recipient of the Young Alumni Leadership Award

Check out our website for more, including a tribute video to our faculty and staff.

SUMMER 2020

CLASS NOTES

Virtual Class Gatherings:

Happy Hours Joined by Many!

Alumni spent upwards of three hours together reconnecting during Mercersburg’s virtual Reunion Weekend happy hours. We know virtual can never replace the real thing, so we’re excited to gather together in person in June 2021.

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’60

Top Row (L-R): Jim McClelland, Carolyn Griffin Yeager (staff), Mark McGill Jr.;

Top Row (L-R): Clarke Greger, Amy Dickerson Mohr (faculty), David Crandall, Eric

Row 2: Bill McMillan Jr., Ben Hoover II, Aaron Mendelson; Row 3: Pete Wolfinger Jr.

Reif; Row 2: Peter Crow, Joe Kalbach, Ken Pearlman, Tony Walker; Row 3: David Frantz, Al Friedman, Louis Cleveland, Hank Spire; Row 4: Bill Cass Jr., David Hope

’70 ’65 Top Row (L-R): Charlie Guy III, Evan Moats ’12 (staff), Brian Joscelyne, Richard

Top Row (L-R): Frank Rutherford III, Pete Flanagan, Jenn Flanagan Bradley ’99 (staff),

McCombs; Row 2: Jere Keefer Jr., Rick Himes Jr., Grant Fleming, Greg Smith;

John Dutrey, Ross Lillard; Row 2: Paul Mellott Jr., Rick Witmer Jr., Fred Groff III, Kent

Row 3: Mac Butts, Glen Garrison

Peterson; Row 3: Stefan Brodsky, Sam Morgan, Alan Crawshaw, Dan Seamans; Row 4: Larry Fuller, head of school Katie Titus, Dave Winning, Ethan Allen; Row 5: Steve Leonard

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’75 Top Row (L-R): Bill Whitaker (Donnah Whitaker), James Jenkins (staff);

Top Row (L-R): Lynn Brewer Price, John Fisher, Lois Findlay, Jon Hoppe;

Row 2: Sanjiv Kaul, Chris Russell Vick

Row 2: Laura Pisano Lyshon, Lucy Northrop Corwin, Bob Jett III, Gary Neft; Row 3: Judi Quinn Sullivan, John Hollinshead, Jane Hoover Davenport,

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

Dave Dupont; Not pictured, but in attendance: Chris Greene

’85 ’90 Top Row (L-R): Tim Rockwell (faculty emeritus), Andy Lilienthal, Jorge Vargas ’84, Sue

Top Row (L-R): Steven Wagshal, José Nuñez (staff), Kerry Waterman Epstein, Geoff

McLain; Row 2: Samantha Lumby Seiple, Sarah Mendelsohn Kim, Marca Armstrong

Moorhead; Row 2: Pepe Coballasi, Mike Galligan, Neeta Mody Vargo, Nicole Lehman

Ewy, Heidi Erb Anderson; Row 3: Susan Corwin Moreau, Steve Miko Burns, Dave

Muther; Row 3: JJ Fabrega IV, Chris Lampe, Ann Kaguyutan, Jim Musser; Row 4: Chris

Koch, Peggy Raley Ward; Row 4: Carol McCullough Bender, Luis Cervera, Jim Malone

Thoren, Vince Ewald, Jim Malone (faculty); Not pictured, but in attendance: Sandy

(faculty), Paul Furigay; Row 5: Stacie Rice Lissette, Stewart Walker, Amy Trinnaman

Ardinger Cousins, Treva Ghattas, Peter Harrington, Cameron Ruble

DiBiaso, C.C. Gachet; Not pictured, but in attendance: Peg Hacskaylo, Dan Henderson, Theo Lichtenstein III, Abby Shein Alford, Dave Wentworth II, Chris Williams

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’00 Top Row (L-R): Kevin Glah, Holly Trostle (staff), Andrew Miller, Taylor Horst; Row 2: Alec Harris, Jeremy McGarvey, Eliza Derick, Paul Galey (faculty emeritus); Row 3: Barb and Tom Thorne (staff and faculty), Anne Reeder Bertram, M.C. Corson,

Top Row (L-R): Michael Pedersen, Mercersburg staff, Leland Kass; Row 2: Jamie

Nishant Keerikatte; Row 4: Amy Wagshal Brennan

Wollrab, Dave Ostwind, Rosie Williams Udouj; Row 3: Steve Rentschler, Melissa Glah Orders, Meredith Glah Coors, Satoko Yokoi Knopp; Row 4: Haroon Rashid

’05

’10 Top Row (L-R): Brookke Mahaffey, Jacquelyn Ross Grace ‘07 (staff), Anmargaret Warner, James Nam; Row 2: Jordan Krutek, Jeff Cohen (faculty), Lorraine Simonis,

Top Row (L-R): Claire Lazo, Jason Bershatsky (faculty), Whitney Pezza Bagherzadeh;

Maggie Goff; Row 3: Samuel Hook, Andrea Metz, Paige Harry, Joy Mullins Byrne;

Row 2: Lindsay Steinour, Jamar Galbreath, Matt Okoh; Row 3: Alexis Imler Gray, Jess

Row 4: Jim Malone (faculty), Anderson Chen, Britta Sherman, Aaron Porter; Row 5:

Miga Brauzer; Not pictured, but in attendance: Jeff Greenberg, Natalie Blackburn

Bill Flanagan; Not pictured, but in attendance: Hannah Miller Top Row (L-R): Reed Widdoes, Leah Cook, Ali Leighty, Max Furigay; Row 2: Emily Schoenberger, Henry Asher, Maddie Nelson, Grace Piotrowski; Row 3: Sam Hutabarat, AnnaBeth Thomas, Raj Singh, Amber Heffernan; Row 4: Rachael Ditzler, Jordan Allen, Ugo Okolie; Not pictured, but in attendance: David Coly, Morgan Matsuda

’15

Save the date REUNION WEEKEND 2021 JUNE 10-13! SUMMER 2020

In Memoriam c ’38

Donald C. Berkey, August 17, 2019. Don was preceded in death by a brother, Earl ’41, and a nephew, Daniel ’76. Survivors include a cousin, Chester ’60.

c ’40 Richard B. Donaldson, October 29, 2019. Richard lived in Melbourne, Florida. He is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Stephen M. Schoen, December 19, 2018. Stephen earned a bachelor’s degree in English history from Harvard University and taught literature at George Washington University. He later received his medical degree from Howard University, then practiced psychiatry at the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute at the University of California, San Francisco, and psychotherapy in private practice. He authored several books and articles. He is survived by three children and five grandchildren. Harold L. Shields, April 3, 2019. Harold attended Penn State University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in World War II, serving aboard the USS Dayton in the Pacific theater. After the war, he earned a bachelor’s degree in milling engineering from Kansas State University. He worked for Quaker Oats Company and Miner-Hillard Milling Company before moving into the insurance industry, where he worked until retiring. He is survived by four children and six grandchildren. David A. Wilson, January 23, 2020.

c ’42 Frank R. Egloff, February 9, 2020. Frank attended Amherst College before entering a U.S. Army program to train doctors during World War II. He then enrolled at Harvard Medical School and completed his medical degree at age 21. He specialized in psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine,

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

and served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He practiced in Massachusetts and Connecticut during his career. Frank was the half-brother of David Egloff ’53 and the uncle of faculty member Austin Curwen. Survivors include six children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Richard T. Schellhase, February 23, 2020. Richard graduated from Ursinus College, Lancaster Theological Seminary, and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and studied at the University of Edinburgh. A United Church of Christ clergy member, he served as a U.S. Navy chaplain during the Korean War. He taught religion at Ursinus, then became vice president for development at the Lancaster seminary. He later continued his fundraising work with two religious organizations in California. He was preceded in death by his father, Adam Schellhase (1916). Richard and his wife, Kay, had two children and two grandchildren.

c ’43 William F. Reynolds Jr., January 16, 2020. Bill served as a U.S. Army medic in Europe during World War II, then earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland. He was the comptroller for Advertising Inc. until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hickman Reynolds; two children, including Bill III ’78; and four grandchildren. Robert D. Sisterson, June 12, 2019. Bob served as a U.S. Air Force B-24 navigator in the 464th Bombardment Squadron in Italy during World War II. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He began his career at H.J. Heinz, and later worked for Young & Rubicam Advertising Agency and Vallen Corporation, from which he retired. He is survived by four children, including Doug ’68; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Val R. Wagner, December 19, 2019. Val was a

U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. He began his career with Sun Oil Company, later worked for Smith, Kline and French, and retired from Hoechst-Celanese as director of research administration. He was preceded in death by an uncle, Tyrus Wagner ’31. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Harman Wagner, as well as two children and five grandsons.

c ’44 Jerome S. Broder, November 30, 2019. Jerry was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and earned a bachelor’s degree from American University. He started his career in the oil industry with his own company, Petroleum Wholesalers, then worked for Northville Industries before establishing the energy brokerage firm Broder Oil Futures with his son. He is survived by three children (including Scott ’68 and Mike ’71) and four grandchildren. William C. Revercomb Jr., February 21, 2020. Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Princeton University and a medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He spent his career practicing medicine in West Virginia, and was a clinical professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston Division. Survivors include three children and three grandsons. Phillip F. Schaeffer, February 28, 2019. Shadrack attended the University of Denver and served in the U.S. Army. He was a public relations and marketing executive for Magnetizer.

c ’45 Richard A. Gray Jr., February 3, 2020. Dick was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in economics from Princeton University and a law degree from Harvard Law School. He spent most of his career at Air Products

and Chemicals, serving as associate general counsel, vice president, and corporate secretary. He was a member of the American and Federal Bar Associations and admitted to practice before several courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He was also an emeritus member of Mercersburg’s Board of Regents and a former Alumni Council president. Dick is survived by his wife, Lucia Long Gray; two sons and three grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Jacques C. Guequierre, January 18, 2020. Jacques was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving as an auto mechanic with the Aircraft Engineering Squadron at Cherry Point, North Carolina. His career in aviation included working for Piasecki Helicopter Corporation and Boeing Vertol as a technical field representative, and he later owned Main Line Helicopters, a helicopter charter business. He invented “Helicopter Handler” dollies, landing platforms for skid-type helicopters that are used throughout the world. He is survived by his wife, Marina Kaiser, as well as a daughter and a grandson. John M. MacDonald, October 21, 2019. John was a World War II veteran, serving in the Philippines and Japan, and graduated from Franklin & Marshall College. He spent his career in the financial services industry with McKelvey & Company, Parker/Hunter, and Janney Montgomery Scott. He was a board member of several companies and organizations in western Pennsylvania and Florida, including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center McKeesport and the Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce, and served on White Oak Borough Council and as its president. He is survived by his wife, Joan Rotheram MacDonald; three children; four grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.

c ’46 J. Alexander Cavins, July 27, 2019. Lex earned a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and a medical degree from Johns Hopkins

University, then completed his residency in hematology/oncology at Ohio State University. He is survived by three children and four grandchildren. James T. Umbarger, May 3, 2016. Jim is survived by his wife, Gail, three children, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three stepchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren.

c ’50 Thomas N. Bodine, October 6, 2019. Tim graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He served in the U.S. Army, then held sales and marketing management positions with several commercial and nonprofit organizations, retiring from Scholarship America. Tim is survived by his wife, Jean Hannay Bodine; three children and six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Wilson F. Colberg, March 8, 2017. Wilson was preceded in death by an uncle, Ramon Aboy ’28. He is survived by his brothers Herman ’51, Tony ’59, and Jorge ’63. Robert F. Droz, February 19, 2020. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve during the Korean War, and studied at Bucknell University and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He spent his career at Specialty Screw Machine Products, eventually becoming president and later chairman. Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Gerry ’52. He is survived by four children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. George W. Fellows, October 30, 2019. George graduated from Washington and Lee University with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve during the Korean War, and later joined the Army, serving active duty as a military intelligence specialist. He began his career as a financial adviser with Francis I.

duPont & Co., then worked for Drexel Burnham Lambert, Smith Barney, and Morgan Stanley. He is survived by his wife, Linda; six children; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Edgar S. Krass, October 19, 2019. Ed was an officer in the U.S. Army, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Survivors include two sons.

c ’51 H. Brockman Anderson Jr., February 7, 2020. Brock received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, and served with the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany. He then joined NCR Corporation, working in sales and marketing management, and later purchased Bonbright Distributors, leading its expansion from a small regional company to one that covered two states. Brock served on Mercersburg’s Alumni Council. He is survived by his wife, Margy, as well as three children and six grandchildren. Ralph M. Feldman Jr., January 17, 2020. Ralph attended Lehigh University before enlisting in the U.S. Army, serving as a supply sergeant in the 224th Infantry Regiment’s 40th Infantry Division in Korea. He was a realtor and the longtime owner of Coldwell Banker Ralph Feldman. He served as president of the Franklin County Board of Realtors, and was instrumental in organizing the Chambersburg Area Multi-List Association, serving as its first president. Ralph was a former member of Mercersburg’s Alumni Council. Survivors include his wife, Salinda Ankerbrand Feldman, as well as three children, six grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

c ’52 Frederick B. Fichthorn, August 30, 2017. Fred served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a decoder during the Korean War, and was in the Marshall Islands during the atomic tests.

SUMMER 2020

IN MEMORIAM

Samuel Darragh McGredy ’49

am McGredy, one of the world’s foremost rose horticulturalists, died August 25, 2019, in his adopted country of New Zealand. Sam grew up in Portadown, County Armagh, in Northern Ireland, not far from Belfast. He came to Mercersburg on a scholarship from the EnglishSpeaking Union, an international

organization that fosters global understanding through educational and cultural opportunities. He applied for the scholarship because the interviews were in London and he had never been there, he said in a 2007 interview with Mercersburg magazine. After graduating from Mercersburg, Sam furthered his education at Greenmount Agricultural College in Northern Ireland and the University of Reading in England. He took over the family nursery in 1952, becoming the fourth Sam McGredy since 1880 to breed roses in Northern Ireland. In 1958, Sam introduced his first hybrid rose, “Salute,” a red and yellow floribunda. In 1963, he introduced a light salmon-colored floribunda, “Elizabeth of Glamis,” in honor of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, royal patron of the United Kingdom’s Royal National Rose Society, after she gave him permission to name a rose after her. He presented his first hand-painted rose, a red and white called “Picasso,” in 1971. Sam and his family fled Northern Ireland in 1972 because life there had become “very unpleasant and dangerous,” he said in the Mercersburg interview. They moved to the Auckland region of New Zealand, where he resumed his life’s work of growing and breeding roses until his retirement. An online record of Sam’s roses lists nearly 825 plants that he bred during his career. “My idea for roses in my lifetime is that the gardener may order any colour he wants in any form—as a bush rose, as a climber, or as a miniature,” he said in the book A Family of Roses. In 1994, Sam was awarded the title Commander of the British Empire, Ordinary Commander of the Civil Division, by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to horticulture. In 1999, he was one of four alumni to receive the Class of ’32 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Mercersburg, Mercersburg’s highest honor. His work and life took him throughout the world, but he remembered Mercersburg fondly. “Northern Ireland and Mercersburg taught me tolerance,” he said in the magazine interview. “I am completely open-minded on the subjects of politics, religion, and color…. I just like people—all kinds of people!” Sam is survived by his wife, Jillian, as well as five children, a number of grandchildren, and four stepchildren.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

He was president of F&M Hat Company for many years, and served as mayor of Denver, Pennsylvania. He was on the boards of directors of Fulton Bank, Fulton Financial, and Ephrata Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, as well as two children and two grandchildren. Edward P. Westwood, September 20, 2019. Ed spent one year at Ohio Wesleyan College before being recruited to play baseball for the University of Michigan. Despite interest from pro scouts, he earned a degree and joined the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He also owned a small golf club repair business. He later worked for the TRW Ballistic Missiles Division at Vandenberg Air Force Base’s test facility. Survivors include his fiancée, Ellen Mercer, as well as a brother and several nieces and nephews.

c ’53 Walter S. Clarke, November 24, 2019. Walter received a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and certificates in international studies from Johns Hopkins University and in African studies from Northwestern University. He was a career diplomat, independent military consultant, educator, author, and a member of various associations. He received numerous commendations and awards from the U.S. State Department, which he served in various posts in Latin America, South America, Europe, and Africa. He also taught at the U.S. Army War College and the U.S. Naval War College. Walter was preceded in death by a cousin, Robert David ’57. He is survived by his wife, Chantal; four children, including Philippe ’82; and 10 grandchildren. Richard O. Conboy, October 12, 2019. Ivison D. Rowland, November 6, 2019. Ivison served as a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman on the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain, then earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Rutgers University. He began his career with the Pennsylvania Railroad, eventually retiring

from Conrail as superintendent of car management centers. He is survived by his wife, Janice; three children; and 10 grandchildren.

c ’54 Richard M. Blood Sr., January 19, 2019. Dick earned a bachelor’s degree from Ursinus College and a master’s degree from Temple University. He taught at the College of William and Mary and Christopher Newport University, and retired from Reuters. He was preceded in death by his father, John (1923), and his son, Richard Jr., who was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Survivors include three children (including Rebecca Blood Wynne ’83 and William Blood ’85) and eight grandchildren. Robert E. Fosse, October 13, 2017. Bob attended Dartmouth College and Yale University, and was ordained in the Episcopal Church; his survivors include a brother, Ken ’54. M. Charles Hatch Jr., October 26, 2019. Chuck was a former member of Mercersburg’s Alumni Council, and he worked as a security officer on campus from 2005 to 2010. He is survived by several family members, including his brother, William ’59, and step-daughter, Temvelo Masuku-Hatch ’10. Dale W. Junta, January 23, 2020. Dale graduated from Harvard College, where he captained the men’s tennis team, and competed in both the Wimbledon and U.S. Open championships. He then served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Enterprise and USS Hornet aircraft carriers. After the Navy, he graduated from the University of California Hastings School of Law and practiced law in the San Francisco area. He later went into the residential and commercial mortgage business. He was inducted into the Harvard Athletic Hall of Fame. Dale is survived by his wife, Susan; three children, including Dave ’85; and nine grandchildren and two stepchildren.

G. William Ruth, December 11, 2019. Bill graduated from Brandeis University, the University of Steubenville, the University of Dayton, and Northern Arizona University, and was an outstanding athlete in football, wrestling, and baseball. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and spent three years in a monastery. He taught and coached in the Clark County School District in Nevada. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Rahe Ruth, as well as two children and five grandchildren.

c ’55 E. Sargent Hoopes III, January 13, 2012. “Sarge” attended Trinity University in Texas. He was an antiques dealer and owned a construction company in Colorado. He also started the first water ski school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is survived by two sons and one grandchild. Robert W. Kaiser, July 19, 2015. Bob received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a doctor of dental science degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He spent his career practicing dentistry in Roanoke, Virginia. He served as a major in the U.S. Army Dental Corps and in the Army Reserve. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Bess Kaiser, as well as five children and nine grandchildren. Thomas C. Medford III, December 2, 2019. T.C. attended Syracuse University before serving with the U.S. Air Force in Korea and with the Air Force Reserve. He owned Medford Heating Oil for many years, and later was a real estate agent with Prudential Fox & Roach. He is survived by his wife, Susan; two children; and three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

c ’56 Rodolfo S. Agullo, December 14, 2013. Rudy is survived by his wife, Hortensia, and children, including Rod Jr. ’00.

Edgar S. Bates, March 14, 2020. Ted attended Yale University, and after a career with IBM, he and his wife purchased Red Jacket Travel of Grand Island, New York. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Walter ’50 and Jack ’52, and cousin, Sam ’48. Ted is survived by his wife, Beth Smith Bates, as well as three children and seven grandchildren.

c ’57 Thomas P. Cole II, June 13, 2013. Tom was a longtime attorney in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Sandra L. Cole, and a grandson. Lawrence E. Miles, September 25, 2012. Larry graduated from Indiana University and was a U.S. Army veteran. He retired from Key Bank as senior vice president of investments. Among his community activities, he was a member of the Indiana University Alumni Association, chaired the Elkhart Evening Optimist Club scholarship fund, and coached Osolo Little League. He is survived by his wife, Lynne Cormican Miles, as well as two children, six grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

c ’58 Ralph C. Macek, November 7, 2019. Ralph graduated from Allegheny College and Temple University School of Medicine. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Vietnam, where he cared for wounded U.S. troops and Vietnamese military and civilians at the Twelfth Evacuation Hospital and at local clinics in Chu Chi. He also was a field doctor in An Khe Province, and received the Bronze Star. He was a boardcertified family physician in private practice and a diplomate in the American Academy of Family Physicians. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two daughters and two grandchildren; and a brother, Rick ’70.

SUMMER 2020

IN MEMORIAM

c’59 Richard A. Block, January 23, 2020. Rick attended Temple University. While in the U.S. Navy Reserve in the 1960s, he was called to active duty. After the Navy, he took on several business ventures, including owning multiple laundromats and dry cleaners, a metal fabricating shop, and several properties in the Philadelphia area. Survivors include his wife, Mary, as well as four children and eight grandchildren. Ross B. Cameron Jr., February 14, 2015. Ross spent most of his career as president of Charms Candy Company, working with his brother, uncle, and cousin to develop it into one of the largest privately held confectionary companies in the United States. After selling the company, he helped create a real estate development firm in Red Bank, New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his father, Ross ’32. Survivors include his wife, Roxanne Glessner Cameron, and three children, four grandchildren, and two stepsons. Edward J. Morgan Jr., February 1, 2020. Ed attended Mercersburg on a track & field scholarship, and later attended La Salle University. He worked in sales with his father, Edward ’39; after his father’s death, he finished his career at Sears. Ed had been a member of the Philadelphia Curling Club since 1977. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Mueller Morgan, as well as four sons and nine grandchildren.

c ’60 Kent R. Rentschler, October 16, 2019. Kent earned a bachelor’s degree and a doctor of medicine in dentistry degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps during the Vietnam War. After the military, he spent his career practicing dentistry in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He is survived by four sons: Howie ’90, Andy ’91, Brian ’94, and Steve ’95, as well as seven grandchildren.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

c ’61 Lynn H. Barkalow, July 15, 2018. Lynn lived in Longmont, Colorado. R. Randall Sanford Jr., February 21, 2015. Randy earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master of architecture degree in urban design from Cornell University. During his career, he was employed at a number of architecture firms in New York City, and retired from the firm of di Domenico + Partners. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and a daughter.

c ’65 Grant L. Hopkins, June 6, 2019. Grant received a bachelor’s degree in history and English from Washington & Jefferson College and a master’s degree in Southeast Asian studies from the University of Michigan. He started his career in the oil industry with Gulf Oil, and later worked for Southwest Petroleum, Coastal States, Getty Oil, and Petroleum Finance Company, living in Vienna and London along the way. He loved to play competitive rugby, and refereed high-school football games while living in Texas and Michigan. Survivors include two daughters and four grandchildren.

c ’66 John D. Flint, January 25, 2020. John attended the University of Georgia and lived in Sarasota, Florida.

c ’68 Geoffrey D. Way, September 9, 2019. Geoff graduated from Northern Illinois University; he was the brother of Larry ’66 and uncle of David ’94. He is also survived by a sister, a niece, and two nephews.

c ’69 Richard E. Curtis, November 1, 2019. Rick participated in football, wrestling, and track & field at Mercersburg. He attended Penn State

University, then served as a U.S. Army combat medic with the 79th Infantry Division. He then joined the Harrisburg Bureau of Police as an officer, and later was promoted to detective, retiring with commendation. Rick is survived by his wife, Valerie Kiser; three children; eight grandchildren; and two stepchildren.

c ’71 James E. Thompson Jr., November 12, 2014.

c ’79 Peter B. Vance, June 13, 2019. Peter graduated from Bennington College and studied photography at Brooks Institute in California. He worked in the hospitality industry in Florida, South Carolina, California, and Washington, D.C. He and his wife owned a bed-andbreakfast on her family farm near La Rochelle, France. He is survived by his wife, Veronique, his father, and three siblings.

c ’88 Mark S.C. Tuberoso, April 6, 2019. Mark graduated from Temple University, and practiced dentistry in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was the brother of Edward ’86. Survivors also include his parents and a sister.

c ’90 Charles P. Nemfakos Jr., February 16, 2020. Chuck earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Montana State University. He worked as a civil engineer for the Montana Department of Transportation. He is survived by his wife, Laura; a son; and his parents.

c ’99 Matthew D. Danziger, April 18, 2020. Matt passed away suddenly while on a trail run near his home in San Anselmo, California. He graduated from Colby College and was vice president of investor relations at Pure Storage. Matt previously served as director of investor relations

at LinkedIn, and also worked for JMP Securities, Matthes Capital Management, Sun Valley Gold, and State Street Corporation. Survivors include his wife, Kate, and their two children; his parents; and three brothers (all Mercersburg alumni): Michael ’95, David ’96, and Andy ’99.

c ’04 Abigail L. Thomas Powell, December 8, 2019. At Mercersburg, Abby was stage manager for many Stony Batter productions, a dorm prefect, and a counselor for Summer Adventure Camp. She attended Rollins

Thomas W. Leslie Jr. ’66 Editor’s note: The 2019-2020 academic year marked the 55th year of black student integration at Mercersburg Academy. Charlie Guy ’65 and John VerStandig ’66 offer this remembrance of their friend and classmate Tom Leslie, Mercersburg’s first black graduate.

om Leslie was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1948. In the fall of 1964, he enrolled at Mercersburg Academy. That fall, before he could even take the football field for the Academy’s first scheduled away game of the season, the opposing prep school attempted to ban him from visiting and playing in the game. Headmaster Bill Fowle, having overseen Tom’s admission to Mercersburg, supported Leonard Plantz, the athletic director at the time, in holding his ground, insisting that the Blue Devils (our nickname then) would not play without Tom. The football game was lost, but the Academy’s principles enjoyed an overwhelming victory. History was changed, and Tom and his teammates were changed as well. Tom led the wave of integration not only for the Academy, but he also helped to accelerate the future racial integration of this opposing school. Brown v. Board of Education may have been handed down in 1954, but in 1964 its echoes resounded at the Academy. Yes, Tom was a star Academy multi-sport athlete. Yes, Tom was senior class treasurer. Yes, Tom was Irving treasurer. Yes, Tom was Varsity Club vice president. Yes, Tom was a member of The Fifteen. Yes, Tom attended the University of Pennsylvania. Yes, Tom was the standout running back on the undefeated University of Pennsylvania freshman football team. There are many yeses to be told. The tapestry of Tom’s life is long and intricate, and 400 words is both too few and too many to share all the details. A marvelous documentary film of Tom’s life developed by three Mercersburg students for their 2020 senior Springboard capstone project better tells the story and can be accessed on Mercersburg’s website. Tom Leslie passed away years later (the exact date we do not have). All who knew him respected and admired him. Tom Leslie was a fine and courageous man whose place in the history of the Academy should never be forgotten.

College. While still in high school, she began her career as a cast member at Walt Disney World, working in a variety of positions before becoming a photographer for Disney’s PhotoPass. She later moved to Colorado, then California. Survivors include her husband, Andrew; her mother; and three siblings, including her brother Joshua Thomas ’97.

c ’16 Patrick Joseph “PJ” Flaherty IV, May 16, 2020. At Mercersburg, PJ was a member of the Octet, and at the University of Mississippi, he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. An avid sports fan, he cheered for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He loved to play video games, hang out with his dogs, sing loudly (occasionally in Latin), and scuba dive. He is survived by his mother, father (Patrick Joseph Flaherty III ’85), and sister.

c Former

Faculty/Staff

Charles W. Riggs, former clerk/stenographer in the Alumni Office (1938-1941), January 2, 2020. Charles, who lived in Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away at age 101. George E. Tiggle, former assistant director of annual giving (2008-2010), October 26, 2019. George Zeis, former kitchen employee (19571973), father of staff member Jeffrey Zeis, and grandfather of staff members Amanda Zeis and Johnathan Zeis, February 27, 2020.

SUMMER 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES

ercersburg Academy has seen its share of pandemics—from scarlet fever, which caused the school to shut down for the first time in January 1909, to the Spanish flu of 1918, polio in

the 1930s, and now COVID-19 in 2020. During the 1931 polio outbreak, thenHeadmaster Dr. Boyd Edwards allowed students to return home for a two-week stretch if they so desired, but the school continued in session. Close to 200 students left. Dr. Edwards felt a desire to honor those who stayed behind, so when all students returned, he held an assembly and gave each student who stayed on campus a lapel pin with the phrase “Bravely Faces Them Still” engraved on it. The lapel pin pictured here is from Ronald Smith ’57 and was given to his father, David Smith ’32. Read more about Mercersburg’s history of dealing with epidemics and pandemics on our website.

Red Thief

ober 12, 1918, published in the Oct

Student poem, urg News issue of the Mercersb

ool h Flu is near our sch

The Spanis

y the rule Therefore we must obe the fields, n upo The football stops we bet en the meals The students starve ’ll go no more True, to the town we n the floor But stay ourselves upo r’s will go broke Plough’s and Steige ed student folk From lack of money om will be quiet Our dear old talk-ro riot From the daily boyish s up the hours Nor must the boys pas scalding showers Standing ’neath the upon the hill We’ll keep ourselves one small pill And every hour take ’ll keep in sway And all these rules we “Flu” away To keep the Spanish —Simon

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY MAGAZINE

by Saskia Men tor ’21 (written spring 2020) You Do not don glove

Whoever heard Whose victims

s or a mask

of a thief

wear Gloves and mask s? You Lurk in the shad ows, Threatening to break and enter At any given mo ment, But no one know s what’s stolen Until they go loo king for it And find That everything You

is wrong

Are unashamed Of yourself, Wrapping your Their throats,

fingers around

Their chests, Their bodies, Choking Until red-rimme d eyes Glaze with distan t presence And die.

Join

Mercersburg Students in the Summer Community Read Mercersburg’s 2020 Community Reading selection focuses on the theme of “bridging the divide.” This year’s selection is Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram— which is a required read for students in addition to reading a designated book depending on their English-course enrollment for 2020–2021.

“We’ve rebranded

Students who choose to take part in the optional Summer

Summer Reading as

Reading Challenge will read Darius the Great is Not Okay as well

Community Reading

as the specific book for their English class, one of the faculty-

to make it clear

sponsored reads listed below, plus a fiction book and a

that all members

nonfiction book of their choosing. Students who complete the

of our community

challenge will take part in seminar discussions at the beginning

are taking part in

of the fall term with faculty members and other students.

the reading and discussions,” says Alexandra Patterson, director of library services and co-leader of the Community Reading Committee. “We will have opportunities to engage with Darius the Great across the year and look forward to seeing how our community digs into the text. “As with last year, we’ve focused on a part of the overall yearly theme for the summer. Our response prompts will all center on ‘bridging the divide.’ This felt like a natural way to start

Faculty-sponsored selections include: ◼ Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi, sponsored by Michele

Poacelli ◼ The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X, sponsored

by Jim Malone ◼ Hiking with Nietzche by John Kaag, sponsored by Jay Bozzi ◼ The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells, sponsored by

Will Willis

the conversation about ‘Making a Difference’ [the theme for the

◼ The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, sponsored by Kelly Dowling

school year] in a way that is authentic to the struggles the main

◼ Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker, sponsored by Alexandra Patterson

character, Darius, faces in the book.”

◼ The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, sponsored by

The required books for students corresponding to their

Frank Betkowski

specific English course include Going Bovine by Libba Bray or We

◼ Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan, sponsored by Amy Mohr

Were Liars by E. Lockhart (entering ninth graders); The Complete

◼ Dear Martin by Nic Stone, sponsored by Nikki Walker

Persepolis (#1-#4) by Marjane Satrapi (rising 10th graders);

“We hope that the new branding will serve as an invitation

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (rising 11th graders); Death of a

for all members of the Mercersburg community to read and

Salesman by Arthur Miller (rising 12th graders); and The Things

discuss alongside us,” says Michele Poacelli, English faculty,

They Carried by Tim O’Brien or How the Garcia Girls Lost Their

director of the Writing Center, and co-leader of the Community

Accents by Julia Alvarez (an additional book for 12th graders in

Reading Committee.

Advanced Studies).

Visit our website for more information and to see a video about the Community Read.

100 Academy Drive Mercersburg, Pennsylvania 17236-1524

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage

PAID

Hagerstown, MD Permit #93

Rock Pile 2020 Susan Rahauser, director of student counseling services, keeps a small jar of pebbles in her office and offers a pebble to students to hold if they are feeling particularly stressed or anxious. At the end of a session, they may keep it as a reminder of what was discussed and practiced. Jumping off this concept, Susan and school counselor Jen Sipes invited faculty and staff to add a pebble or rock to a small collection near the big rock on campus (close to Sycamore Lane). “While Rock Pile 2020 might represent many things,” says Susan, “it can potentially be physical evidence of our journey together. Hopefully, returning to a new normal sometime in 2020, community members who are now far away can contribute to this rock pile, too. Transitional objects and rituals can be very important to people as a bridge during times of great loss, distress, and certainly joy.”

FAMILY and

We hope you will consider adding a rock the next time you are able to visit campus.

October 20