Mercersburg Academy Magazine, Summer 2023

Did You Know?

Faculty, staff, students, and other community members came together to plant 555 trees near the main entrance of campus during the spring term. The project was spearheaded by Nate Austin ’23, shown in this photo with English Department Head Michele Poacelli P ’24, ’26.

NTS

Volume 49, Issue 2

Editor: Lisa Tedrick Prejean

Contributors: David Bell P ’17, ’18, Debra Collins P ’14, Katie Himes ’23, Kaiya Hoffman ’25, Greta Lawler ’23, Megan Mallory, Tyler Miller, Cody Parks, Zally Price, Sean Qin ’25, Gabe Rogel, Zoe Shykind ’24, David Tyson P ’84, ’87, Jamie Vulakh ’24

Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications: Amy Marathe P ’26

Design: Mid-Atlantic Media

Cover Art: Lisa Catalone Castro

Head of School: Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27 Mercersburg Academy magazine informs and connects our community, fosters belonging and pride, inspires engagement, and celebrates achievement. The magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

Magazine correspondence: magazine@mercersburg.edu

Class Notes correspondence: classnotes@mercersburg.edu

Alumni correspondence/change of address: alumni@mercersburg.edu 800-588-2550

Main school phone: 717-328-2151

Read us online: mercersburg.edu/magazine

To receive this magazine exclusively online and to be notified electronically when a new issue is available, email magazine@mercersburg.edu.

© Copyright 2023 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.

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Campus Master Plan

Earlier this year, Mercersburg’s Board of Regents approved a campus master plan to address four areas of need that will preserve the school’s history, ensure present-day educational success, and allow for future sustainability.

40 Dance Program

In the eyes of Kelsy Rupp, Mercersburg’s new director of dance, “everybody is a dancer.”

Campus Master Plan Couples Past, Future

One of the remarkable things about Mercersburg Academy, and there are many, is that you never quite get used to the incomparable beauty of the campus. It is an almost daily event that something grabs your attention–the sun reflecting off of Keil Hall at dusk, the magnificence of the Edwards Room, the magnolia trees in bloom near Ford Hall, the sight of the flag on the cupola of Main, and the spire of the chapel emerging above the trees, all set against the background of the pastoral beauty of south central Pennsylvania.

Looking at our school today, it is hard to imagine that we opened in 1893 with only 40 students and four teachers on just four acres. Fortunately for Mercersburg, we had two distinct advantages in those early days. First was the use of the existing campus of Mercersburg College, and second, and perhaps most important, was the vision of founding headmaster Dr. William Mann Irvine. Dreaming big was not an issue for Dr. Irvine, and he worked tirelessly to envision the ideal campus for the future of Mercersburg. What we see around us now is the direct result of the very seeds he planted over a century ago. It is also the result of the thoughtful and careful stewardship by the many Mercersburg faithful who followed Dr. Irvine and of those who continue to care for our school today.

Central to the long-term continuity of Mercersburg’s campus is the existence of an ever-evolving campus master plan that is revisited at regular intervals to ensure that the school can continue to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world while also always honoring the history and heritage of the institution. As we wrap up the latest version of the campus master plan, I am both excited about its forward-thinking approach and humbled by its deep consideration of our past, including the original intentions of Dr. Irvine. The decisions we make about the physical nature of our school are key to learning, building community, developing relationships, ensuring safety, and inspiring awe. Let us continue to pinch ourselves at least once a day as we pause to appreciate the immense beauty of Mercersburg.

Sincerely,

Quentin McDowell P ’25,

Head of School

’27

“The decisions we make about the physical nature of our school are key to learning, building community, developing relationships, ensuring safety, and inspiring awe.”

LIFE

Bob Hollis ’24 supports Stella Johnson ’25 in a dip during the Spring Dance Concert.

Rochelle Hargraves Appointed Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27 recently announced the appointment of Rochelle Hargraves as Mercersburg Academy’s chief financial and operating officer. Hargraves comes to Mercersburg from St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School in Washington, D.C.

“After a long search, we feel incredibly fortunate to welcome Rochelle to the Mercersburg Academy community,” said McDowell. “Her wealth of experience in independent schools and a range of other environments, as well as her genuine personality and perspective, will be a great fit for our school.”

Hargraves brings more than 25 years of experience working in broadbased businesses in strategic planning and operations for nonprofit and for-profit entities. Of those 25 years, 20 were in nonprofit educational settings. Hargraves joined St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School in 2016 as the assistant head of school for finance and operations. She led the real estate, financial, operational, and administrative functions of the school to strategically plan, develop, and implement initiatives that aligned with the school’s mission. Those initiatives included co-leading the pandemic response committee, creating and implementing a budget modeling process that successfully tracks the strategic five-year financial plan, overseeing and working with IT operations to achieve an innovative approach to teaching and learning, reviewing systems to manage internal controls of all financial activities, and emphasizing the importance of customer service provided to parents, faculty, and staff by applying an empathetic and curious approach in conversations.

“Strategic thinking and planning for independent schools are a joyful part of my work,” Hargraves said. “I am innately curious and constantly seeking the answers to the ‘why?’ of everything while working in close partnership with the head of the school and Board of Regents.”

Hargraves worked closely with the Board of Trustees at St. Patrick’s, contributing to seven committees. She collaborated with board members, senior leadership, and industry partners to revitalize operations and achieve ambitious targets such as increasing revenue from alternative sources by 2% of the operating budget. Hargraves is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the National Business Officers Association. She serves as a board member of the Education Benefit Services and Trust and the Barnesville School of Arts and Sciences, and is board treasurer of the Association of Independent Maryland and D.C. Schools.

“My approach to strategic planning is based on the belief that schools should develop strategies with agility in mind; therefore, setting the strategic direction of a school is of utmost importance, closely following the art of thinking strategically,” said Hargraves. “I believe it is the responsibility of school leadership to imagine what the future of work and the world will look like and equip our students with the skills necessary to thrive in this world.”

Prior to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, Hargraves spent six years working as the chief financial and administrative officer at the YWCA of the National Capital Area in Washington, D.C., and three years as the vice president of finance and operations at Health Industry Distributors Association in Alexandria, VA.

Hargraves graduated from the University of Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa, with a bachelor of commerce degree and earned a master’s degree in business administration (finance) from American University in Washington, D.C. Other educational accomplishments include a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School, as well as a diploma in accounting from Strayer University.

“I am elated and feel incredibly blessed to be joining the Mercersburg Academy community and to have the opportunity to positively contribute to this wonderful school,” said Hargraves.

Hargraves and her husband, Dirck, their children, Taylor and Connor, and their Bernedoodle, Jackson, will be relocating to Mercersburg this summer. The entire family cannot wait to meet new friends, human and furry.

25 Students Named to Cum Laude Society

Mercersburg honored 25 members of the Class of 2023 for excellence in academic work at the annual Cum Laude Convocation in March. G. Dean Patterson Jr. ’71, retired Case Western Reserve University administrator, was the invited speaker. Patterson challenged the students to put people first in whatever vocation they pursue.

“Everyone wants to feel cared for, that somebody cares about them,” Patterson said. “It’s not about passing judgment. It’s about seeking to understand.”

Patterson was the 2021 recipient of Mercersburg Academy’s Class

of ’32 Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to members of the alumni body who have distinguished themselves through character, service, and achievement.

Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society is billed as the secondaryschool equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa. Cum Laude honorees are elected as seniors by the faculty of Mercersburg’s Cum Laude chapter. Mercersburg is one of 382 secondary schools across the country with a Cum Laude Society chapter; those chosen for membership represent the highest level of academic achievement within the school.

Front row, from left: Hongyu Jasmine Zhu of Chengdu, China; Ava Anthony of Mercersburg, PA; Matt Wang of Dalian, China; Alan He of Beijing, China; Isabel Su of Hagerstown, MD; Liza Webb of Washington, D.C.; Clare Ip of Hong Kong; Grace Carter of Cumming, GA; and Emma Hobbs of Hagerstown, MD; Second row, from left: Mel Cort of Brookeville, MD; Pere Cäbus Carrera of Lleida, Spain; Masa Yamazaki of Tokyo, Japan; Daniel Zhong of Greencastle, PA; Greta Lawler of Arlington, VA; Dayoung Kim of Seoul, Korea; and Catherine Orders of Charleston, WV; Third row, from left: Colin Lissette of Hanover, PA; Zeke Wadlington of Harrisburg, PA; Brant Warner of Frederick, MD; Justin An of Fort Lee, NJ; Dan Zagorii of Kyiv, Ukraine; Peter Rice of Martinsburg, WV; Damien Dowling of Mercersburg, PA; and Olatz Marques Saralegui of Madrid, Spain. Absent from photo: Finia Steeg of Grosskotzenburg, Germany.

Officers Bring Experience TO CAMPUS SAFETY

By Lisa Tedrick Prejean

Years of experience have taught Mercersburg Academy campus safety officers to expect the unexpected when the phone rings.

Take for instance a recent day’s call: A dorm room window has been broken and the cause needs to be investigated.

“If something breaks on campus, they call us, 24/7,” Director of Campus Safety Skip Sydnor P ’12 said with a shrug as the phone call ended. “Anything that happens during hours, after hours, we are contacted, and then we have to decide who to contact or what to do to fix it.”

Sydnor and his staff handle the aftermath in coordination with other departments on campus.

Broken windows can be replaced, no injuries were sustained, and it’s just another day in the life of a boarding school community.

Campus safety is a priority at Mercersburg, which is home to 446 students and many of our 105 faculty members and their families.

While Mercersburg’s campus provides a safe place to live and learn, the presence of experienced campus safety officers is an added measure of assurance and protection.

“We are tasked with anything and everything,” said Sydnor, noting that campus safety officers patrol the campus, check that buildings are locked, watch for unknown vehicles, and keep their eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary.

The highly experienced campus safety staff includes five full-time officers and six part-time officers.

Sydnor has 26 years of experience with the Pennsylvania State Police, including 10 years in the patrol unit and 16 years in the criminal investigation unit.

Assistant Director of Campus Safety Sean Flaherty P ’21 has 25 years of experience

with the Pennsylvania State Police, where he attained the rank of sergeant and was a station commander. Through Mercersburg’s commitment to continuing education for its employees, Flaherty earned a master’s degree in global intelligence and security.

“We both were state troopers in this area, so we’re familiar with the outside world,” Sydnor said. “I think that’s very important.”

While most state police agencies in the United States are essentially highway patrols, the Pennsylvania State Police is the state’s primary law enforcement agency.

“We are very different from a lot of state police agencies in the country,” Flaherty said. “Both Skip and I were lead investigators in homicides, arson investigations, robberies, you name it. What might panic a person without experiencing the things we’ve seen, it’s like second nature for us to respond to it.

“We want our guys to be observant, to look for things that might be out of place. A student might walk by something without even thinking anything of it. We expect our staff to make an observation and, if something’s wrong, to resolve that issue.”

Mercersburg supports ongoing professional development, and officers routinely receive additional training, such as de-escalation, intervention, and force mitigation. Some of the part-time officers are sheriff’s deputies in Franklin County, so they draw on that experience as well.

“We’re in tune with situational awareness,” Flaherty said. “We may see things that a lot of people don’t even notice, and that’s from our training, background, and experience.”

Because they’ve been in a variety of situations, campus safety officers are quick to respond if trouble surfaces.

Director of Campus Safety Skip Sydnor P ’12 and Assistant Director of Campus Safety Sean Flaherty P ’21 bring decades of experience to their positions.

“When something occurs, we already have a quick response. Our minds are already working to solve the problem.”

—Director of Campus Safety Skip Sydnor P ’12

“When something occurs, we already have a quick response,” Sydnor said. “Our minds are already working to solve the problem.”

Effective communication skills are needed as the campus safety officers work with those on campus and in the surrounding community.

“Mercersburg Academy and the town of Mercersburg have always had a great, positive relationship, which is definitely beneficial to us,” Sydnor said. “Can something happen? Have things happened? Yes, but honestly, the relationship has always been 98% positive, if not more. We’re here to protect Mercersburg Academy. We have 300 acres, 30-some buildings.”

Most of the Mercersburg campus is in the state police jurisdiction. A small part of the campus is in the Mercersburg borough jurisdiction.

“If something happens here right now, the Mercersburg police are going to come, and the state police will come,” Sydnor said. “We have good support. We have good relations with both departments.”

A camera system throughout campus enables both campus safety and the Office of Student Life to review questionable occurrences. Additional cameras continue to be added so security can be increased.

“One positive thing is that over the last few years, they’ve been putting up more cameras, and that’s very helpful,” Flaherty said. “We have a big-screen TV with different

cameras throughout campus. We can see parts of the campus. We can’t see everything yet, but we can see more. They’re doing a great job moving forward with that.”

A building security system, which is maintained by campus safety, requires fob programming, a form of electronic access, of every door on campus.

All students, faculty, and staff are required to register their vehicles so the Campus Safety Office can monitor traffic on campus.

Faculty and staff also are vigilant.

“I think part of the positive thing about the Mercersburg community is we have faculty and staff who will not hesitate to call us if they see something that they don’t think is right, which is nice because it’s another set of eyes that we have,” Flaherty said.

The campus safety officers know they can rely on the Office of Student Life, too, Sydnor said.

“If we need something, we call them,” Sydnor said. “If they need something, they call us. We work with the Student Life Office hand in hand.”

It also helps to have a leader who remains calm under pressure, Sydnor said, referring to Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27.

“I’ve worked with Quentin on a couple emergencies here on campus throughout the years before he was head of school and as head of school,” Sydnor said. “He’ll take your advice. He evaluates things well.”

Unusual requests

Occasionally, campus safety officers receive unusual requests.

“I’ve been here 15 years, so I’ve had a whole flock of them,” Sydnor said, choosing the bird analogy wisely. On a recent Saturday afternoon, there was a bird stuck in a gutter. Campus safety officers received the call and freed the bird.

The officers have helped other animals, too, even ones that weren’t supposed to be on campus.

“When my daughter was a freshman here, somebody snuck a gerbil in a room. It fell off the bed, and they thought it broke its leg,” Sydnor said. “So [the students] called me to come check and see if the gerbil was OK. They’re not allowed to have a pet, and then they called me to come check on that gerbil to see if the leg’s OK. I had to laugh. I had to do a triage on a gerbil.”

The officers know that boarding school life can present some interesting challenges.

“Something that really helped us understand the dynamics of the Academy is that we both have daughters who went to school here, so I really think that helped with me understanding the culture coming from where I came from,” Flaherty said.

They keep in mind that the students are teenagers, and as dads, they’ve been there, they get it, they laugh, and then they head out the door to answer the next call.

Several members of the campus safety staff include, from left, Chris Buterbaugh, William Patrick, Sean Flaherty, Buffi Smith, Doug Mull, Jeff Rion, and Skip Sydnor. Photo by Katie Himes ’23

“We’re in tune with situational awareness.

We may see things that a lot of people don’t even notice, and that’s from our training, background, and experience.”

—Assistant Director of Campus Safety Sean Flaherty P ’21

Six Longtime Employees Retire

Mercersburg Academy congratulates six longtime employees of the school on their respective retirements. We send our best wishes to Gay “Sis” Gordon, Pam Chamberlin, Franklin Bell, Lori Cooper, Amy Hendrickson, and Trini Hoffman.

Gay “Sis” Gordon

15 YEARS

• Came to Mercersburg in 2007 as a member of housekeeping.

Pam Chamberlin

15 YEARS

• Came to Mercersburg in 2007 as a member of housekeeping.

• Served in Fowle Hall and Tippetts Hall, with most of her career in Fowle.

Franklin Bell P ’09, ’12

16 YEARS

• Came to Mercersburg in 2007 as a member of the science faculty.

• Taught science and coached swimming.

• Served as an independent consultant, which included editing biology textbooks, conducting biology teacher institutes, and serving as a table leader and reader of AP Biology exams.

• Served on the AP Biology Test Development Committee and co-authored an extensive review guide for the AP Biology exam.

Lori Cooper

18 YEARS

• Came to Mercersburg in 2005 as accounts receivable manager in the Business Office.

• Maintained the student billing system and prepared the monthly invoices for parents.

• Oversaw the Blue Card system, handled miscellaneous cash receipts, and provided assistance to the controller and the associate head of school for finance and operations.

Amy Hendrickson P ’03, ’06, ’19

25 YEARS

• Came to Mercersburg in 1997 as assistant controller in the Business Office.

• Served as dorm faculty in South Cottage and Fowle Hall.

• Benefactor of the Hendrickson-Hoffman Prize Fund for women’s soccer.

Trini Hoffman P ’00, ’06

29 YEARS

• Came to Mercersburg in 1994 as a member of the physical education department; served as department chair from 1996-1999.

• Held the role of director of student activities for 24 years.

• Taught the Wayfinder course and was a faculty adviser in Main Hall.

• Spent 18 years as the dorm dean in Main Hall.

• Led multiple student trips to the Cloud Forest School in Costa Rica.

Gay “Sis“

Pam CHAMBERLIN

Franklin BELL P ’09, ’12

Lori COOPER

Hoffman Encourages Graduates to Face Challenges with Hard Work, Grit

On Friday, May 26 (the evening preceding Commencement), seniors participated in the traditional Baccalaureate ceremony in the Irvine Memorial Chapel. Trini Hoffman P ’00, ’06, who retired this year after 29 years on the Mercersburg faculty, delivered the Baccalaureate address. She spoke to the graduates about facing challenges through hard work and grit.

Favorite Memories from

Amy Hendrickson P ’03, ’06, ’19

“Some of my favorite times at Mercersburg were living in South Cottage with the girls and interacting with the wrestlers and managers on the wrestling team when Rick [Hendrickson, former faculty member and Amy’s husband] was the head coach. The students at the school are terrific, funny, and just great people. Watching them grow up during those teenage years, trying to discover who they were and truly caring for each other and treating my children so kindly was a gift to me. These same students are incredible adults now!

When we came to Mercersburg, the faculty and their spouses were so friendly and inclusive. I felt like I had some really great friendships and support since we were new to boarding school life. A lot of our friendships at Mercersburg will be lifelong.

I can’t leave out the Business Office. Gail Wolfe hired me, and he really kept the office fun! He was very kind and had a lot of empathy for people. My colleagues were like family to me. We laughed every single day, so coming to work was never hard to do!”

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To learn more, visit mercersburg.edu/admission.

Amy Hendrickson, right, shares a laugh with her husband, Rick Hendrickson.

“If you quit when things get tough, it gets much easier to quit the next time,” Hoffman said. “On the other hand, if you force yourself to push through it, the growth begins to grow in you. Adversity is everywhere–in your relationships. It’ll be there next year in your college experience, your jobs, your everyday life. These will all take grit and hard work and determination, passion, and faith.”

AT A GLANCE

› Mercersburg’s 123 graduates will matriculate at more than 85 different colleges and universities, including Boston University, Case Western Reserve University, Clemson University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, New York University, Tulane University, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the University of Virginia.

› Valedictorian: Brant Warner ’23 of Frederick, MD

› Salutatorian: Catherine Orders ’23 of Charleston, WV

› Nevine Orators: Mel Cort ’23 of Brookeville, MD Manny Ponce ’23 of Union City, NJ

› Class Marshals: Chuks Ugori ’23 of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Isabel Su ’23 of Hagerstown, MD

› Senior Class President: Minh Tran ’23 of Hanoi, Vietnam

› Commencement speaker: Parker Ward ’82, a former commercial airline pilot who became a paraplegic following a 2004 snowmobile accident

› Baccalaureate speaker: Trini Hoffman P ’00, ’06, who is retiring this year after 29 years on the Mercersburg faculty

CLASS OF 2023 LEGACY GRADUATES

1. Linley Hill, daughter of Sabrina Derrickson Hill ’86 and Donald “D.J.” Hill Jr. ’86

2. Teddie Blake, brother of Bailey Blake Weibley ’11

3. Zane Arky, son of John Arky ’82

4. Luke Golumbic, son of Lars Golumbic ’86

5. Catherine Orders, daughter of Melissa Glah Orders ’95

6. Isabel Su, daughter of William “Bill” Su ’88

7. Priscilla Lee, daughter of Sung Lee ’92

8. Katherine “Katie” Himes, cousin of Carolyn Kranich ’20, niece of Ashley Himes Kranich ’89, niece of MacKinlay Himes ’91, and niece of Bower Himes ’94

9. Frank Cantera, grandson of the late D.C. Cantera ’46

10. Davis Noone, grandson of the late George Flanagan Jr. ’45

11. Margaret “Greta” Lawler, daughter of Clinton Lawler ’97

12. Cole Smith, son of Jennifer Miller Smith ’97

13. Peter Rice, son of William Rice ’83 and grandson of Lacy Rice Jr. ’49

14. Robert Sellery, grandson of the late Stephen Sellery ’60 and great-grandson of the late Robert Sellery ’30

15. Caroline Wilkinson, daughter of Andrew Wilkinson ’89

16. Colin Lissette, son of Stacie Rice Lissette ’85

17. Nathalie Maurer, daughter of Julia Stojak Maurer ’90

Commencement 2023

“Remember, there’s a freshman version of yourself out there that is proud of you right now. So proud. Think about them. Think about who you were. Think about who you’ve become.”

Class marshals Chuks Ugori ’23 of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and Isabel Su ’23 of Hagerstown, MD.

–Brant Warner ’23 of

Frederick, MD,

valedictorian

“This is a commencement … not a conclusion. Meet new people, do amazing things with the time you are given, use your powers for good.”

–Catherine Orders ’23 of Charleston, WV, salutatorian

“Despite our efforts to make the most out of our Zoom experiences, it simply wasn’t the same as seeing your faces in person. I can vividly recall the exhilaration of being able to run to my classmates and embrace them tightly after a year and a half apart. While we all hated that phase of our high school lives, I believe that without it, we wouldn’t have truly appreciated the indescribable feeling of togetherness that washes over us when we’re all physically present.”

“You can’t prevent what you can’t predict. Understand that failure is a part of life, and it will happen, and move on.”

–Parker Ward ’82, invited speaker, a former commercial airline pilot who became a paraplegic following a 2004 snowmobile accident To read more and view a replay of Commencement and Baccalaureate, visit mercersburg.edu/magazine.

–Nevine Orator Manny Ponce ’23 of Union City, NJ

Senior Class President Minh Tran ’23 of Hanoi, Vietnam, presented the class gift.

“We are an archipelago of unique, boisterous and incredibly promising individuals tied together by love for this community which provided my own journey with topographical beauty of epic proportions.”

–Nevine Orator Mel Cort ’23 of Brookeville, MD

Irving-Marshall Week 2023

DECLAMATION WINNERS

• First place/Scoblionko Declamation Cup winner: Tyerra Rooffener ’23 (Irving)

• Second place: Ryan Casey ’23 (Marshall)

• Third place: Mel Cort ’23 (Marshall)

• Strongest Declamation team: Marshall (Casey, Cort, Manny Ponce ’23, Talia Cutler ’23, and Keri-Ann Denis ’25)

SOCIETY PRESIDENTS

• Caroline Wilkinson ’23 (Irving)

• Isabel Su ’23 (Marshall)

Tyerra Rooffener ’23

Ryan Casey ’23

Mel Cort ’23

Winter and Spring Sports

Winter Sports

2022-2023

Boys’ Squash

The boys’ squash team won its first MAPL title and also won the Flanagan Invitational and Mid-Atlantic Squash Organization tournaments. Other highlights included defeating Lawrenceville twice, compiling an overall record of 22-5, and finishing 12th in the nation at the U.S. Squash High School National Tournament. Huzaifa Ibrahim ’24 won all 18 matches that he played this year and currently has a 35-match winning streak while representing the Blue Storm.

Girls’ Squash

The girls’ squash team was second in the MAPL, 23rd in the nation, had an overall record of 17-7, and featured

Girls’ Basketball

Girls’ basketball went 15-12 this winter, the third highest win total in school history. Mercersburg also hosted the MAPL basketball tournament, and the girls won two games to advance to the finals for just the second time in school history, where they lost to perennial powerhouse Blair Academy.

Indoor Track & Field

The Blue Storm indoor track & field team never had to leave town as the state-of-the-art Hale Field

Emilia Falconi ’23, who finished undefeated at 19-0.

House hosted five meets, including the MAPL Championships and the PAISAA State Meet, in which both teams finished fourth. Hannah King ’23, Erika Sowah ’24, Anne Sehon ’25, and Adrienne Howard ’26 teamed up to set a new indoor track & field school record in the 4x400m relay with a time of 4:23.83 in the Midwinter Madness meet. King and Sowah also won individual state championships as King defended her high jump title from 2022 and Sowah finished first in the triple jump.

Wrestling

Hayden Shirk ’24 became the 18th wrestler in school history to surpass 100 wins, and he still has one more year to add to his total.

Swimming

The swim team won the overall team title at Easterns and individually both the boys’ and girls’ teams took second place. Deniel Nankov ’23 was named the top male swimmer as he won the 100 freestyle in a time of 43.31 seconds, which set a new record for Mercersburg Academy, the Franklin & Marshall pool, and the Eastern Championships. Both swim teams also won the MAPL Championship, an event Mercersburg hosted this year.

Spring Sports

2023

Girls’ Lacrosse

The girls’ varsity lacrosse team had an eight-game winning streak in the middle of the season and made it to the quarterfinals of the independent school state tournament before falling to Agnes Irwin, the #1 team in Pennsylvania. Zarreen Sorho ’23, Zareena Sorho ’23, Hailey Chepren ’23, and Linley Hill ’23 each surpassed 100 points (goals and assists) for their careers, and

CAMPUS LIFE

Zareena and Zarreen each scored over 100 goals. They accomplished this in only three years, as spring sports were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Softball

The softball team won four of its last five games to secure a home game in the state tournament and won their first-round contest against Friends Select before bowing out in the second round.

Girls’ Golf

The girls’ golf team, a program only in its second year of official competition, finished second in the PAISAA state golf tournament.

Outdoor Track & Field

Madison Goodhart ’24 took first place in the javelin at the PAISAA girls’ state track meet.

Tennis

The JV boys’ tennis team compiled a perfect record of 8-0 for the season.

Bryant College

Women’s Track & Field

Cabrini College

Swimming

Case Western Reserve

Football

Chatham University

Men’s Squash

Christopher Newport

Men’s Soccer

Columbia University

Men’s Swimming

Drexel University

Women’s Squash

Franklin & Marshall College

Men’s Cross Country & Track & Field

Haverford College

Men’s Squash

Holy Cross

Men’s Swimming

Nichols College

Football

Penn State University

Men’s Swimming

Pomona College

Men’s Basketball

RIT

Men’s Lacrosse

St. Olaf College

Football

Men’s Tennis

Southern Methodist

Men’s Swimming

Swarthmore College

Men’s Swimming

U.S. Naval Academy

Baseball

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Swimming

University of Albany

Women’s Lacrosse

Williams College

Men’s Swimming

Yale University

Men’s Swimming

I.T. at Mercersburg

15,051 places on campus to plug in a computer (network jacks)

332 wireless access points

3,367 registered network devices (computers, phones, printers, etc.)

20TB in total Google storage being used

16,000 emails received via Gmail on an average daily basis

2,500 emails sent via Gmail on an average daily basis

700 logins to Veracross student, faculty, and staff portals daily

680 emails are sent monthly from Veracross to

72,000 alumni, parents, and prospective families

A MERCERSBURG MOMENT

Last year, Nate Austin ’23 proposed a reforestation of a portion of the Mercersburg campus, a project that came to fruition this spring when faculty, staff, students, and other community members came together to plant 555 trees near the main entrance of campus.

Talia Cutler ’23, Damien Dowling ’23, and Keri-Ann Dennis ’25 perform as the titular characters in Heathers: The Musical (teen edition). An ensemble of 18 student performers and 15 crew members brought the Gen X cult classic to life in the Simon Theatre during the winter term.

LIFE Alumni

Head Baseball Coach Edgin Eyes Goals Outside the Park for His Players

By Lisa Tedrick Prejean

Mercersburg Academy Head Baseball Coach Josh Edgin ’06 looks outside the park as he instills a strong work ethic in his players.

“Respect, work hard–those two things go an extremely long way in life, no matter what job you’re doing. As far as life lessons go, those would be the two biggest things that I try to convey to them,” said Edgin, who joined Mercersburg in 2022 as the assistant manager of athletic facilities. “Nothing worth wanting will be handed to you. If you’re aiming to go to the upper echelon of whatever it is you choose to do, at some point you’re going to have to work your tail off to get it.”

As a former Major League Baseball player, Edgin ought to know. He was drafted by the New York Mets in 2010.

“It was a childhood dream coming to reality,” Edgin said of his experience in the major leagues. “It was very difficult, especially family-wise, a lot of traveling. It was basically experiencing the world using a baseball, and learning, meeting people from every facet of life chasing the same dream. It was a whirlwind at times, and it was comfortable at times. There was always someone chomping at the bit to take your spot, so there was an extra drive in the matter. Overall, I wouldn’t change any of it. It was an awesome experience.”

After graduating from Mercersburg,

Edgin attended The Ohio State University, where he played baseball. After two-anda-half years at Ohio State, he transferred to Francis Marion University in Florence, SC.

He played two seasons at Francis Marion. He was drafted his first season there by the Atlanta Braves in the 50th round, but opted not to join that organization.

“Then in my senior year, I got drafted by the Mets in the 30th round,” Edgin said.

He played baseball professionally for nine years with the Mets, Nationals, and Orioles systems, including five years in the major leagues, before retiring in 2019.

Recognizing that “baseball is the hardest numbers game in the world,” Edgin uses the

skills he learned playing professionally as he works with Mercersburg players.

“If you can get a hit three out of 10 times, that’s Hall of Fame numbers,” Edgin said, contrasting that outcome with a comparison relatable to students: “That’s 30% in a class. You’re going to fail more than you succeed. Baseball prepared me and helped me understand how to fail, knowing that after that, I will succeed eventually.”

As Edgin works with his players, he hopes they learn that baseball shouldn’t be their main focus in life, but it can lead to amazing opportunities in college and professional play.

Head Baseball Coach Josh Edgin ’06, center, congratulates Dawson Hastings ’23.

To read more about Edgin, visit Mercersburg’s magazine web page.

A Perfect Choice: Tom Hadzor ’72

Introducing Our Next Board of Regents President

By Amy Marathe P ’26

Whenever anyone on campus mentions Tom Hadzor’s name, it is always, without fail, met with a smile and a, “Oh, I love Tom!” This is not an attempt to connect with someone in a conversation but rather a genuine response to how the Mercersburg Academy community feels about him. So, it was not a surprise when members of the Board selected Hadzor to be the school’s next Board of Regents President. When that news hit campus, everyone unanimously said, “Perfect choice!”

Hadzor is no stranger to Mercersburg or the Board of Regents. Since 2012, he has been a member of the Board, where he served as chair of the Reach and Reputation Committee. Hadzor has also served stints as a member and past president of the Alumni Council, a reunion committee member, and a phonathon and donor relations volunteer, as well as a member of the executive committee for Mercersburg’s Daring to Lead campaign.

In preparing to lead the Board, Hadzor has drawn from the experience of former Board Presidents Stacie Rice Lissette ’85, P ’14, ’14, ’17, ’23 and Debbie Simon ’74, who both provided guidance from their experiences. Hadzor also attended two Zoom conferences by the Independent School Chairpersons Association (ISCA).

“You happen to hold a particular position, but the weight of your vote is not any bigger than the weight of anybody else’s vote,” Hadzor said, noting that the Board’s role is to provide oversight, partnership, and foresight. “Our job is to think ahead, to look at issues, and to debate them.”

His desire and dedication to serve educational institutions started early. He has worked as an education advancement professional since 1979. From 1979 to 1981, he was Mercersburg’s annual fund director and coordinator of special programs.

Most recently, he retired as the associate university librarian for development at Duke University, where he oversaw fundraising and communications for the Duke Libraries. While at Duke, Hadzor led two successful campaigns for the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center and Duke Law School. Before Duke, Hadzor worked at Wilkes University as vice president for alumni development and university relations and Scranton Prep School where he served as director of development.

Hadzor received Mercersburg Academy’s highest honor in 2022, the Class of ’32 Distinguished Alumni Award. The prestigious award is presented annually to members of the alumni body who have most distinguished themselves through character, service, and achievement.

A leadership donor with 45 years of giving to Mercersburg Academy, he is a member of the Via Lucis Society and the

William Mann Irvine Society, as well as the Marshall and Irving Alliance. Moreover, he is a Torchbearer with 42 consecutive years of support and the benefactor of the Susan C. Ross and Thomas B. Hadzor ’72 Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Hadzor’s development work has garnered five national awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)—a global nonprofit association dedicated to educational advancement—as well as the University & College Designers Association and the Academic Library Alumni and Development Network. He also has published a chapter in Successful Library Fundraising

Hadzor earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Muhlenberg College, and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Michigan State University.

25 Questions with Tom Hadzor

Q. What are three words to describe how you feel right now?

A: Excited, hopeful, a little nervous

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Pro baseball player

What’s your favorite part about working with students?

Their enormous potential

Do you have a favorite Mercersburg tradition?

Yes. I love Irving-Marshall Week.

Coffee or Tea?

Tea

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature, especially on golf courses

If you could go anywhere right now, where would you go?

Where all my kids are in one spot

Who is the coolest person you’ve met?

My wife, Susan Ross

What is your biggest fear?

Messing up this new role!

Any hidden talents or hobbies?

Nerding out with stamps

Favorite movie?

The Sound of Music

Favorite season?

Spring

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

Relax and enjoy

Who’s one person, dead or alive, that you look up to?

My parents

Favorite dining hall meal?

All of the desserts

Mercersburg’s ice cream pretzel pie or chocolate chip cookie pie?

Pretzel pie

What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Cotswolds in England

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Being able to hit with the driver in my golf bag

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you bring?

Survival books, suntan lotion, and fire

What’s one book you think everyone should read?

In general, I think everyone should read more American history books.

How do you recharge?

Give me 24 hours to chill out and I’ll recharge.

Favorite animal?

Dog

Favorite sport or activity to play or watch? Play golf, watch lacrosse

Where is your favorite place on campus?

Keil Hall

What was your favorite class/favorite teacher at Mercersburg?

Jay Quinn was my favorite teacher and he taught me chemistry.

Advancement Welcomes New Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Colleen McNulty came to Mercersburg in May as the director of alumni and parent relations. She follows Jenn Flanagan Bradley ’99, who recently stepped into a new role, leadership giving officer.

“Everyone has a story, and I want to hear them,” McNulty said. “I look forward to hearing from Mercersburg alumni about their experiences, what attracted them to the school, and what keeps them connected to the Academy.”

McNulty brings a breadth of experience to Mercersburg, having previously worked at Blair Academy in several roles, including director of annual giving, and at James Madison University as the alumni relations coordinator.

“I had a wonderful experience at Blair Academy, where I engaged with parents and

alumni, that eventually led to my being part of the annual giving team,” said McNulty. “In that role, I learned so much from alumni about their boarding school experience and how it changed their lives. Then, when my sons were students at Blair, I was able to relate to fellow parents and share their boarding school experiences from a different perspective.”

McNulty holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from Radford University and a master’s degree in communication arts from William Paterson University. She has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Ireland. Her personal interests include community theatre and tap dance, cooking, and riding her Peloton bike.

–Debra Collins P ’14

Charlie Bell Embodies the Beauregard Spirit

By Jamie Vulakh ’24

Bell explained that he never distinguished himself in sports while at various schools. Rather, he was known as a bookish kid. After a gap year in England, he attended Princeton. Following graduation, he went to work for IBM in New York; however, in his mid-20s, Bell decided to leave his job as a big-city computer salesman and begin long-distance running. Within a year of his first short road race, Bell qualified for and completed the Boston and New York marathons.

With dreams growing bigger and, literally, longer, Bell’s marathon glory led him to the thought of running an unsupported lap around the perimeter of the United States. He

Charlie Bell ’71 was Mercersburg Academy’s featured speaker for the fourth annual Joseph Hilliard Beauregard ’18 Memorial Generosity of Spirit School Meeting in February. Bell surprised students with his impressive journey running across the continental United States. When talking about the hundreds of strangers he met, he disclosed humorous, frightening, and somber memories.

followed the seasons for 10,000 miles. One morning in August 1979, he started a journey from his parents’ house in Mercersburg, PA, to follow the seasons for 10,000 miles.

Bell captured the culture of the spirit school meeting when he shared moments of insight and wonder, surprise, and joy during his solo journey through the United States. He related various memories of the trip and explained its connection to the spirit of Beauregard.

Bell has been a featured presenter at the Connecticut Storytelling Festival and the International Platform Association’s annual showcase. He also received praise for

his storytelling in The New York Times, and published short articles about his trip in Sports Illustrated and Reader’s Digest

After the school meeting, Bell allowed extra time for both teachers and students to ask questions about his incredible journey. Bell shared more aspects of his experience and the ethics behind it, including some advice to future teachers, coaches, and solo travelers for a Mercersburg podcast.

To hear a podcast of Bell’s presentation, visit Mercersburg’s magazine web page.

Charlie Bell ’71 captured the spirit of the school meeting when he shared moments of insight and wonder, surprise, and joy experienced during his solo journey through the United States.

Alumni Council Award recipients Richard Helzel ’79 (Alumni Council Medal for Distinguished Service), Kevin Harris ’98 (Alumni Council Prize for Achievement), Dean Hosgood III ’98 (Alumni Council Prize for Service), and Mary Lancaster Grywatch ’08 (Young Alumni Leadership Award). Not present was Betsy Mitchell ’83, P ’15 (Alumni Council Medal for Distinguished Achievement).

Total Reunion $ Raised (# of Reunion Donors):

$478,600 (269 donors)

AT A GLANCE:

Farthest Distance Traveled to Mercersburg:

Taiwan

Total Attendees: 479

Class of ’32 Award recipient the Hon. John Jones III ’73 with Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27 and Board of Regents President Stacie Rice Lissette ’85, P ’14, ’14, ’17, ’23.

1978 class members Dave Holzwarth, Chuck Rogers II, Pilar Diaz Benassi, Patty Seltzer-Wagoner, Doug Corwin ’79, and Peter Hollett celebrated receiving the Class Cup award for the class tent competition.

The Class of 2018 enjoyed its 5th reunion dinner.

Artist John McDowell ’68 and his wife, Irene, greeted visitors at the artists’ reception. Artist Peter Hollett ’78 also exhibited his work.

Mike Olson ’88 and Tim Hoover ’88 reminisced with Mercersburg memorabilia.

Class with Highest # of Donors: 1968 (30 donors)

Paul Stamets ’73 presented “How Psilocybin Mushrooms Can Help Save the World” to a nearly full house. Dean Hosgood ’98 and Gabrielle Joffie Richards ’03 also presented workshops.

Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27 provided a school update.

Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27 and former Headmaster Walter Burgin Jr. ’53 judged the class tents.

Kristine Schoitz ’98, center, her father, Cato Schiotz ’67, far right, and family attended science faculty member Cory Bontrager’s “Cooking with Chemistry” session.

Alumni enjoyed dancing on the quad.

Members of the Class of 1953, including former Headmaster Walter Burgin Jr. ’53 and Regent President Emeritus Nick Taubman ’53, led the recession from the chapel following the Service of Worship and Remembrance.

Members of the Class of 1988, from left, Ethan Hill, Anthony Beecher, and Steve Cohn, performed music together. Classmate Chris Varner, in blue and white shirt, was on hand to listen.

Reunion Committee Volunteers (total number):

54

CLASS OF 1953

CLASS OF 1963

CLASS OF 1968

Front

Dennis Forney, Doug Bressler, Hud Connery Jr., Phil Barry, Craig Moyer; Row 2: Craig Hazen, Mick Heller III, Forry Eisenhart Jr.; Row 3: Joe Jamison Jr., Lou Stanton, Bill Ford, Doug Miller, Rich Helzel; Not

Andrew Ammerman, John McDowell III

CLASS OF 1973

Front row: Bob Strotz, Rob Caruthers, Rick Wolff Jr., Jim Resh, Jennifer Highley Eardley, Jeff Breit, Paul Stamets, Robin Grove Vink, Hank Glass III, Janie Prichard; Row 2: Manuel Freiria, Chip Vink Jr., Chris Nelson, Dick Cosgrove, John Lake, Don Lee, Ken Payne, Joe Lee Jr., Ron Prichard; Row 3: Derek Hamilton, Bruce Thompson, Cabell Williams III, Barnes Johnson Jr., North Stamets, Frank Hilton Jr.; Row 4: Larry Bryant, Brent Barriere, Per Lundgaard, Bill Wisotzkey, Dave Seibert, Tom Pottle; Not pictured: Lea Kline Allen, Michael Johnson, John Jones III, Cecil Swift

Oldest Returning Alum: Charles Loughran ’53 88 years old

CLASS OF 1978

To see photos and videos from Reunion Weekend 2023, visit mercersburg.edu/reunionweekend.

row:

pictured:

Front row: Pilar Benassi, Dave Holzwarth, Patty Seltzer-Wagoner; Row 2: Dan Dougherty, Chuck Rogers II, Peter Hollett, Doug Corwin Jr. ’79

Front row: Merce Levine, Rich Loebl, Paul Sommerville, Charlie Ballou; Row 2: Lee Haase, Charlie Coates III

Front row: Walter Burgin Jr., Chuck Loughran, Jim Horn; Row 2: Nick Taubman, Ron Rahn

CLASS OF 1983

Front row: Guinn Smith Baker, Janice W. Jackson, Guido Porcarelli, Paula Johnson Smith, Susan Blaschak Mironov, Mark Pyper, Cindy Davenport Borger, Shawn Rodrigues, Bruce Ricciuti; Row 2: Alfredo Baquerizo, Bill Powers II, Ken Fisher, John Hutton, Joe Noel; Row 3: Tim Burbank, Rob Wheeler, Todd Friedman, Benjamin Van Der Wel, Ted Smith, Mark Sibert; Row 4: John Palmer, Rodney Duncan, Duke Sundstrom

’88

CLASS OF 1988

Front row: Margi Coyle, Cindy Lather, Lynn Tunnell Dickinson, Suzanne Dysard, Kristin Butterfield Vickery, Mistie McElroy Witt, Steve Cohn; Row 2: Daniel Hauschild Jr., Chris Kelaher, Carrie Reimers Carlson, Chris Varner, Mike Olsen, Jennifer Rozes Foster, Bill Su, Tim Hoover; Row 3: Sal Saulnier, Steve Pessagno, Eric Reed; Not pictured: Anthony Beecher, Sara Plantz Brennen, Reg Hernandez, Ethan Hill

’93

CLASS OF 1993

CLASS OF 1998

Front row: Laura Mullett Kocher, Patrick Lykins, Liz Curry Watkins, Julia Wiedeman Whitehouse, Sara Cohen, Jim Kaurudar, Amy Schemmerling, Robyn Gdula Lalime; Row 2: Miles

Kiger, Kevin Hunt, Sarah Reed

Schwartz, Abby Russell, Chesley

Bastholm Nonemaker, Kristine

Schiotz, Shelley West; Row 3: Pierce

Lord, Dean Hosgood III, Jamie Gelo, Kevin Harris, Jay Lee IV, Anna Wright; Not pictured: Julie Hasson Wells ’98

CLASS OF 2003

Front row: Sam Miller, Alex Laddbush, Afif Kulaylat, Sarah deVries Osipowicz, Victoria Leontieva Blackburn, Laurie Sharp-Page, Ripal Shah; Row 2: Zak Zielezinski, Nate Fochtman, Jamie Blackburn IV, Matt Rutherford, Scott Lindquist; Not pictured: Morgan Higby-Flowers, Gabrielle Joffie Richards

CLASS OF 2008

CLASS OF 2013

Front row: Michaella Hoehn-Soeric, Rebekah Samuels, Emma Cranston, Mary Gray Stolz, Sarah Milback, Kara Alvarez Bennett; Row 2: Christina Hyrkas, Vivi Hyacinthe, Liz Casparian, Ashley Frederick, Margaret Burnett Purcell, Kelly Hamilton; Row 3: Ethan Vink, David Glass, Connor Weiss, Benson Fu, Miranda Lang; Row 4: Chris Eadie, Thomas Bacas, Kevin Shivers, Jeremy Greenberger, Stefan Kempe; Row 5: Mason Moser, Nate Hoffman; Not pictured: Mac Williams

Class with Highest # of Attendees:

(51 attendees)

Reunion Weekend 2024

June 7-9

CLASS OF 2018

Front row: Eliza Smith, Campbell Drennan, Ellie Gregg, Brooke Wilten, Lauren Jones, Ava Mancini, Elizabeth Im, Liza Barcsi, Katie Patterson, Gabbie Albert, Sydney Lineberger; Row 2: Nick Rubino, Thomas Vickery, Sydney Hosbein, Colin Klaff, Abby Voce, Maddie Lauther, Courtney Gantt, Mira Vance, Hope Sanders, Addie Dumm, Dylan Bartlett, Matt LoPresti; Row 3: Esteban Ancona Garcia, Mikale Williams, Benji Cantera, Joseph Bucci, Christian Oberst, Payton Stauffer, Aryaman Nirvan, Bass Diakhoumpa, Tijani Harris Jr., Cole Biehle, Kent Hall; Row 4: Nico Critides, Will Burton, Connor Wolfe, Cole Kissam, Beau Lowery, Stephen Jabbour, Henry Mitchell, Jose Cervera, Patrick Madden III, Kyle McKim, Easton Brucher; Not pictured: Conner Chang, Logan Cort, Emma Maurer, Eric Oh, Tyler Russell, Charlie Webb

Front row: Sonia Byun, Honor Zimmerman Keller, Hannah Starr Cox; Row 2: Laura Diller Martin, Gussie Reilly, Laura Willwerth Dunbar, Mary Lancaster Grywatch; Row 3: Liza Rockwell Patterson, Justin Corey, Ethan Strickler; Not pictured: Barbara Wilson

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

A Focus on Academic Spaces

By Lisa Tedrick Prejean

On a recent spring day, hammers and saws could be heard echoing through the Boys’ Garden and across the quad as students in the Maker’s Lab intensive class put finishing touches on sheds they were building for a local Habitat for Humanity organization.

The project was designed to help students work as a team and give back to the community. Intensives allow students to immerse themselves in a single topic as a way to close out the spring term and the academic year.

“The students in this class learn many life skills, including using tools correctly and safely and practicing construction techniques,” said science faculty member Franklin Bell, who teamtaught the course with mathematics faculty member Andy Brown. “These are lessons they will take throughout their lives. Not to mention that these students will have a great introduction to the Maker’s Lab space if they choose that for their Springboard [senior capstone] class next year.”

The students’ work, which required math and engineering skills, had temporarily taken over a concrete slab outside of–and some of the lower classrooms within–the Burgin Center for the Arts. Students carefully worked around each other, making the most of their available workspace, including a former art classroom and the hallway leading outside.

Finding space for expanding programs is challenging, said Associate Head of School for School Life Julie Maurer ’90, P ’18, ’20, ’22, ’23, noting that the lower level of Burgin became home for Maker’s Lab because space wasn’t available elsewhere on campus.

A shoehorn approach to finding places for programs is less than ideal, and there are other similar existing situations and potential future challenges to consider.

“When we looked at the campus, we kept circling back to a focus on our academic spaces,” Maurer said, noting that arts and athletics have both been enhanced in recent years. “We haven’t focused attention on our academic spaces in quite some time.”

Because environment influences learning, it’s time to pay attention. Earlier this year, Mercersburg’s Board of Regents approved a campus master plan to address four areas of need that will preserve the school’s history, ensure present-day educational success, and allow for future sustainability. Campus master plans typically are completed within 15-20 years, and the school expects to stay within that timeline as it begins to implement the four ambitions: Transform the academic experience.

• Refresh the residential life experience.

• Enhance the campus life experience. Support a measured approach to existing facilities and environmental stewardship.

Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27 compares a campus master plan to a computer’s operating system. Ideal performance requires consistent upgrades.

“This is just campus master plan iteration X,” McDowell said. “We take what was the original design, and we continue to enhance it, to evolve it, but it’s all based on the same fundamental principles.”

While each part of the campus master plan has value, the school’s leadership team has identified updating academic spaces as a priority.

“To me, that’s called 1A, that’s really getting at our academic spaces and making sure that we’re creating the kinds of environments where students are going to thrive, that are optimal for learning and for the programming of Mercersburg,” McDowell said.

Today’s classrooms need to be light, open, and adaptable to different types of activities.

“While our teachers have been creative in how they set up their spaces–using modular furniture, for example–we need to invest in flexible spaces beyond just the furniture,” Maurer said. “We are

Intensive Origin Stems from Senior Project

The Maker’s Lab intensive grew out of a senior project from last year where two students built a shed for a family that had just moved into a new Habitat for Humanity house in nearby Chambersburg, PA. That project, a “She Shed,” was constructed by Nicole Treml ’22 and Maddie Koutavas ’22.

“One thing that was really important to us was that this shed was built and designed by Nicole and myself. We learned a lot—including how to frame and side a shed. We also learned how to use trigonometry to calculate the perfect angle for our rafters,” Koutavas said.

The students wanted to make this their senior capstone project following a “How Habitat Works” presentation to the student body. The design, materials list, and construction plan were determined by Treml and Koutavas under the guidance of their instructors.

“These skills are irreplaceable, and I will use them throughout my life, especially in my college career in my endeavors to become an engineer,” Treml said.

– Originally published in the Franklin County Free Press. Reprinted with permission.

This shed was constructed during the 2023 spring term intensive program.

doing a lot more collaborative teaching, and we need flexibility.”

Taking the step from realizing the need to providing for it occurs through campus space analyses:

Geography: Where things are located.

• Flow of traffic: Time in between classes and the flow of the day.

• Conditions of buildings: What needs to be remodeled or redone? What needs to be new? What doesn’t exist?

“We have programs now that didn’t exist 20 years ago: Maker’s and robotics labs are now standard practice, but we had to find existing spaces and make use of those, as opposed to creating spaces that are optimal for a world which now focuses more on engineering and production and in the creative innovation spaces,” McDowell said. “There are so many things that go into this, and it’s part of why we have partnered with an external firm.”

Direction and Framework

In developing recommendations for Mercersburg, The Blanchard Group, professional campus planners based in Richmond, VA, studied the history of the school in order to understand founding Headmaster William Mann Irvine’s vision for the campus and its evolution since 1893. The Blanchard Group combined that background with present and future needs, and coupled those with a knowledge of what is working on other independent school and college campuses.

An enduring campus master plan needs direction and framework, said architect Jeff Blanchard, principal at The Blanchard Group.

“The school’s primary academic buildings–Irvine Hall, Lenfest Hall, and Rutledge Hall–have not been updated in many years,” Blanchard said. “The school’s top priority is to create new spaces for science, math, Maker’s Lab, and robotics to meet the needs of 21st-century programs and students. This will free up space in Irvine Hall, allowing for a better balance in the academic program. Academic programs from Rutledge Hall also will be relocated. In addition, the ambition includes reimagining the library space to provide more academic support activities.”

A new math and science facility, located north of Irvine Hall, will create space–either in the new building or elsewhere on campus–for Maker’s Lab, robotics, and future STEM programs.

“This is just campus master plan iteration X. We take what was the original design, and we continue to enhance it, to evolve it, but it’s all based on the same fundamental principles.”

— Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27

The new building will allow for improvements to existing academic facilities, said Mercersburg’s Director of Facilities Brian Nordyke P ’14, who noted that this will create more functional and flexible spaces.

Ideally, small or large groups could meet, more than one teacher could be working with a group, students could be at a desk, or in pods, with writable surfaces–and in updated laboratories, Maurer said, noting that the preliminary plan includes exterior space for students to work on projects.

“In the center of campus, that becomes a visible space, where kids can be outside working on projects, and that promotes interest,” Maurer said. “Right now, it’s kind of hidden, and instead you could have that be part of our central campus.”

While the other facets of the campus master plan are important, there has to be a starting point, and, for the present time, that focus is academics.

“Mercersburg has done a remarkable job at investing in our facilities,” McDowell said, noting that each part of the plan will be explored as resources allow. “It’s hard because all things are important, but if everything’s important, nothing will ever get done.”

REFRESH THE RESIDENTIAL LIFE EXPERIENCE

IMAGINE, if you will, the Mercersburg dorm of the future.

What if your teenage boarding school self had a living space that looked and felt more like home, and what if that space contained both historical and contemporary elements?

Welcome to the campus master plan’s second ambition: Refresh the residential life experience. It has been 20 years since the last dorm renovation investment, so it’s time.

“Our goal is to refresh the residential life experience of our students by improving the boarding facilities,” said Jeff Blanchard, architect.

“We understand the importance of maintaining the dormitories, but the high demand makes it challenging

to make necessary upgrades to individual facilities.”

To overcome that challenge, a new 42-student dormitory situated near Tippetts and Fowle halls will be constructed. Students initially will live in the new dorm while their current dorms are renovated. Then another group of students will be placed in the new dorm.

“Once the upgrades are completed, students will return to their original dormitory, and we will move on to upgrade another facility,” Blanchard said, noting that the renovation work will begin with the older, smaller dormitories, such as South Cottage, Swank Hall, and Keil Hall.

In essence, your favorite dorm gets a face-lift, with an upgrade of high tech chiseled in.

What could that look like?

Associate Head of School Jennifer Craig has given this some thought, and she envisions spaces that contribute to students’ wellness while allowing them to balance the academic and social aspects of being a teen.

What if dorm rooms were:

• L-shaped to allow for privacy

Various sizes: singles, doubles, triples, quads

What if dorm rooms offered:

• Built-in storage areas

Pocket doors that slide into walls Standing desks

• Motion sensors, and power-saving electrical outlets and lighting fixtures

• Smart TVs

What if each dorm had:

• Common collaborative spaces with entertainment and academic elements, 3D printers, whiteboards, flexible pods, big screens

Bathrooms with private booths, rather than semiprivate stalls

• Food areas providing opportunities to cook Small workout/yoga rooms

• Outdoor spaces for plantings, fire pits

Future dorms could have all or most of these elements. Perhaps they’ll have elements that haven’t been imagined.

When dorms were previously renovated, Wi-Fi was an emerging idea, not a standard offering, noted Associate Head of School for School Life Julie Maurer ’90, P ’18, ’20, ’22, ’23.

“Our buildings and grounds and our techs have done a remarkable job retrofitting those spaces,” Maurer said. “It’s really exciting to think what they could look like if we would design them with that in mind. How do we think about modern spaces for our students to be in that have the kind of modern technology and convenience that they use and need?”

Spaces where students can gather within and around the dorms also will be a priority. That includes thinking about the day student experience and how the school can be more thoughtful about the dorms they also call home. “We cherish our day students, and having students from our local communities is a big part of the culture of Mercersburg,” McDowell said.

The goal is to allow for teenage energy, encourage leadership, and provide privacy, which helps students develop identity.

“Dorms are a special place. This is where an enormous amount of bonding and connecting and learning and growth happens,” McDowell said. “As much as we can, we want our dorms to feel like their home.

“It really is about community space, about intentional spaces for groups of kids and adults living together to go beyond just studying and the basics of life, but really making sure there’s meaningful space for engagement and connection.”

Associate Head of School for School Life Julie Maurer ’90, P ’18, ’20, ’22, ’23 said dorm renovations will focus on modern technology and convenience.

ENHANCE THE CAMPUS LIFE EXPERIENCE

If you’re at Mercersburg but not in a classroom or dorm, where are you, probably? Hint: Most people go there three times a day for fellowship, fun, and food. All three are served in the dining hall, the one place on campus where the entire community gathers to connect at mealtimes.

This pivotal place has been identified as one of three spaces that will enhance the campus life experience:

• Dining hall renovations

Fitness and wellness experience–exploring options for the Flanagan Pool

• Campus front door: Addition of a gatehouse on Academy Drive

“The dining hall in Ford Hall will undergo a significant renovation to create a more welcoming environment for one of the school’s most treasured community settings,” said architect Jeff Blanchard, principal at The Blanchard Group.

Additionally, options for the Flanagan Pool space, which became available after the completion of the Lloyd Aquatic Center, are being explored.

“We recognize that we have this really wonderful and storied space in the Flanagan Pool that is now open,” said Head of School Quentin McDowell. “I want to make sure that we take the time to consider what’s best for that area. It’s likely to be fitness and wellness, and to expand that and more indoor facilities for our kids to use as they pursue healthy lifestyles and athletics. We see that as being a need, but we also recognize that we have a lot of other incredible facilities at the moment that can serve most of those needs.”

Lastly, options to provide a warm and inviting entrance at the intersection of Academy Drive and Sycamore Lane are being explored.

“A number of years ago we changed the address to be at the front entrance,” McDowell said. “We do want to funnel people through our campus. What’s the experience we want them to have when they first see Mercersburg? We want them to see Academy Drive and Sycamore Lane and the chapel and campus, but we also want them to have an experience where they see the town of Mercersburg, which is very much a part of who we are. How do we negotiate that, so when people are coming to campus, they get a full experience, but a very intentional experience, and that they also feel a sense of being welcomed and acknowledged upon arrival? The long-term plan there is to think through that very thoughtfully and consider whether or not we someday want to have a welcome center.”

Homemade Rolls in Science Class

What if a renovated dining hall included a classroom kitchen or two? What would we do with that? Think beyond the traditional home economics class because, as usual, our faculty are already there.

Take, for instance, Cory Bontrager’s chemistry class. They could be found in the True Blue Café this school year concocting hands-on projects, with the added bonus of devouring what they created. Homemade rolls in science class? You bet. That’s one lesson the kids won’t forget.

“We’ve been doing some really interesting teaching that involves cooking,” said Julie Maurer, associate head of school for school life. “Can we think about a classroom or space where students can engage in that kind of work, extending the walls of the classroom right into spaces like a kitchen? If we had a space in the new dining hall that would allow students to cook, that would be so well used. There are all kinds of really neat opportunities to think about what our dining hall could be.”

Earlier this school year, faculty member Cory Bontrager, at right, taught his students the chemistry involved in making rolls.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship

Noun stew·ard·ship ˈstü-ərd-ˌship

The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.

As sidewalks create pathways on campus, all four parts of the campus master plan weave together in the fourth ambition: Support a measured approach to existing facilities and environmental stewardship.

“This ambition requires ongoing maintenance programs, expanded space for maintenance operations, and utilizing new construction and renovations as opportunities to enhance our environmental efforts,” Blanchard, the architect, noted. “Environmental stewardship is a top priority, and we are dedicated to maintaining this commitment. The school has made great gains over its history with its remarkable facilities and landscapes. It is crucial that we continue to care for them responsibly.”

This ambition will include a new facilities complex and central plant, mechanical renovations to Traylor Hall, and a host of other initiatives.

There always will be a wish list, and as opportunities are presented, there are questions to consider:

• How does this fit into the long-term plan? How does this best serve our students?

• What are the unintended consequences or implications of these decisions?

“There’s a reason things were put in a spot,” McDowell, head of school, noted. “That doesn’t always mean that those reasons hold up over time, but we need to fully explore that before we make changes. Sometimes change can create great opportunity. That’s really what we’re seeking. How do we get a win-win?”

One major win for this ambition is the renovation of Traylor Hall, a project that has been approved and is slated to begin in 2024.

“It’s a $4.5 million building that is essentially priceless–you couldn’t rebuild it,” and yet it has a 100-year-old HVAC system, McDowell said.

“Buildings get old, and deferred maintenance comes into play. It’s not the most attractive thing to talk about, but it’s incredibly important as stewards of the school to be always thinking about how we maintain these amazing facilities that we’re building.”

-Merriam-Webster

Mercersburg has numerous potential opportunities for thoughtful environmental stewardship where the projects are concerned, noted Director of Environmental Initiatives Will Willis P ’22, ’24.

“Renovations in Traylor will undoubtedly seek to maintain the building’s unique charm, but will also create a more comfortable space and save a substantial amount of energy by replacing the inefficient and uneven HVAC system there now,” said Willis, a science faculty member. He noted that updates on IT infrastructure offer an opportunity to reduce energy consumption while increasing technological access and speed.

This part of the plan also includes recommendations for the creation of a contemplative garden by the Irvine Memorial Chapel or a rejuvenation of the Boys’ Garden near the Burgin Center for the Arts.

“These offer an avenue for the grounds staff to creatively accentuate our grounds even more, much to the benefit of the community, while also enhancing biodiversity and habitat on campus,” Willis said.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the central plant building was constructed in 1910 and was originally a coal-fired power plant that produced electricity for the campus. It currently serves as the central plant for heating and cooling for the majority of the campus buildings.

“A planned replacement of the building and equipment presents a unique opportunity to modernize with cutting-edge technologies that will improve both reliability and energy efficiencies across campus,” noted Brian Nordyke, director of facilities.

When asked to predict what aspect of the ambitions will be the most difficult to achieve, McDowell is careful to comment.

“I’ve been here long enough to see unimaginable things happen,” McDowell said. “The power of the Mercersburg community is mighty. I have no doubt that if it’s something our school really needs, and we do it the right way, and for all the right reasons, that we can make it happen.”

modernize with cutting-edge technologies that will improve both reliability and energy efficiencies across campus.

Director of Facilities Brian Nordyke P ’14 said that the replacement of the central plant building presents a unique opportunity to

Director of Environmental Initiatives Will Willis P ’22, ’24 noted that updates on IT infrastructure offer an opportunity to reduce energy consumption while increasing technological access and speed.

‘EVerybody

Is a Dancer’

in the Eyes of Mercersburg’s New Director of Dance

By Kaiya Hoffman ’25

Kelsy Rupp, who started dancing when she was 3 and fell in love with dance at the age of 8, has bright aspirations and dreams for the Mercersburg dance program.

“I want the dancers to feel at home in the dance program,” said Rupp, who recently was named Mercersburg’s director of dance. “I want our students to feel they can be their full authentic selves while dancing at Mercersburg.”

“I believe everybody is a dancer. While I was growing up, the environments I trained in were not instilling this value, so I want to be sure my students take that message with them.”

Rupp was first drawn to Mercersburg Academy in high school when one of her friends was a student here.

“Mercersburg Academy is a beautiful place, and my family is all close by, so when the job opportunity presented itself, it was an easy choice,” Rupp said.

As a teacher, Rupp wants to provide her community of dancers with something she felt she lacked growing up. She recognizes that students involved in Mercersburg’s dance program are passionate and care about each other: “As a teacher and director, that is everything.”

Rupp just wrapped up her first year at Mercersburg and, looking ahead, plans to divide the dance program into two tracks: preprofessional and recreational.

The preprofessional track is designed for students who dance year-round, have a deep dedication to the artform, and desire opportunities to travel, train, and perform outside of the academy as part of our student company. The recreational track will provide students who are interested in dance the opportunity to train and perform at Mercersburg for one, two, or three terms, but the flexibility to explore their other cocurricular interests and a less rigorous participation expectation.

This new system “will serve more students in a way they want to be served,” said Rupp, who earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance performance with a minor in psychology, at Radford (VA) University.

Rupp also holds an MFA in choreography from Wilson College. Prior to college, she trained in classical ballet at City Ballet School in Hagerstown, MD.

During her tenure at Radford University, she discovered a love for choreography and was introduced to contemporary techniques.

“When I was younger, I tried to fit into a ‘ballet mold,’” Rupp said, noting that the ballet world’s expectation at the time was to be thin and long-legged. This expectation was discouraging and caused Rupp to consider leaving dance altogether as she neared the end of high school and began her college search. However, during her audition and tour of Radford, her desire to pursue dance as a career was validated, and she chose to continue.

“The dance department professors didn’t promote a certain body type; they cared about learning, progress, and passion,” said Rupp, who was named the outstanding graduating senior for Radford’s department of dance. “My professors mostly had similar training backgrounds to me and found their creative home in modern dance. Modern can feel very freeing, but ballet gave me the technique and structure I needed to succeed in the modern/ contemporary realm.”

Rupp is the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Arts Society Scholarship, Pegeen & David Albig Dance Scholarship, and a Who’s Who of American Colleges and Universities award. Rupp was interim director of dance prior to being named director during the 2022-2023 school year.

As a dancer in Ms. Rupp’s program, I know that Mercersburg dancers are passionate and love each other fiercely. I’ve had an incredible year learning from Ms. Rupp. She teaches a mean ballet technique class. She fosters an uplifting learning environment and pushes me to be a great dancer.

—Kaiya Hoffman ’25

Kelsy Rupp was recently named Mercersburg’s director of dance..

Photo by Sean Qin ’25

Sean Qin ’25 of Shanghai, China, received a National Silver Medal in the 2023 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition for his photograph “China.”

Dayoung Kim ’23 of Seoul, Korea, was recognized with a National Silver Medal in the 2023 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition for her portfolio “Paradigm Shift,” which included the artwork pictured here, “re-Place,” a pen-andpencil drawing of Kim’s boarding school journey from Korea to Germany to the United States.

NOTES

⊲

Weddings

⊲ Attendees at the wedding of Kara Alvarez ’13 and Clinton Bennett, July 22, 2022, in Islamorada, FL, included, from left: Phoebe Moore Miller ’13 (bridesmaid), Christina Hyrkas ’13, Kelly Hamilton ’13, Kara, Clinton, Hanna Warfield DiMilla ’13, Madeline Shearer ’13, Miranda Lang ’13, Denah Marano D’Annunzio ’99, and Sarah Marano Walsh ’02, and husband, Kevin Walsh ’02.

at Charles Kemmler ’96 and Kate Kemmler’s September 25, 2020, wedding in Philadelphia: Bruce Kemmler ’68, Charles, Angela Clousher, Benjamin Clousher ’97, and Josh Smith ’96.

⊲ Noelle Saracino ’07 married Chris Marston ’07 on September 10, 2022, in Philadelphia, PA. They now live in Arlington, VA. Pictured: Sydney Upchurch ’07, Jennifer Saracino ’04, Tim Boucher ’07, Andy Sowers ’07, Jenelle Johnson ’07, Dan Gottlieb ’07, Rob Marston ’79, P ’07, Chris Marston ’07, Noelle Saracino ’07, Karen Marston ’79, P ’07, Sylvia Saracino Koodrich ’99, Jake Koodrich ’99, John Marshall ’07, Andrew Gordon ’07, Christiane Volk ’07, Shepherd Lashley, AJ Notestine ’07, Andrew Graham ’07, Alex Krill ’07, Lucia Rowe ’09, Annie Birney ’09.

⊲ Kristina Trudeau ’07 married Stacy Ranson in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 3, 2023. Pictured, from left: Tiffany Mielke ’07, Jenn Brallier ’09, Shaniqua Reeves ’09, Lauren Rutherford ’08, Claire Amiel ’07, Kristina, Stacy, Emily Carl ’08, Ani Nevarez ’07, and Mallory Polak ’07.

Pictured, from left,

⊲ Sarah Duda ’10 married Timothy Weaver on October 9, 2022, in Phoenixville, PA. Sarah’s brother, Kevin Duda ’14, was a groomsman in their wedding and classmate Leigh Saner ’10 was the maid of honor. Fellow alums Grey Pierce ’09, Jessica Keeseman-Bowman ’10, Brookke Mahaffey ’10, and Dara Vaziri ’10 also joined the festivities.

Births/Adoptions

⊲ Mercersburg alumni and friends gathered in Bellagio, Italy, last summer to celebrate the July 2, 2022, wedding of Jordan Krutek ’10 and Matthew Taylor. From left: Andrea Metz ’10, Taria Griffin ’10, Heidi Kaul Krutek ’78, Woodli Krutek ’13, Jordan, Matthew, Aimee Chase ’10, Colin Regan ’10, Maggie Goff ’10, and Lauren Davis ’10.

⊲ Mercersburg alumni, parents, and friends gathered at the wedding of Maria Loyacona ’12 to Niklas Sade on March 18, 2023, at the Breakers Palm Beach in Florida. From left, front row: Bruce Ricciuti ’83, P ’24, Karen Ricciuti P ’24, Paul Ricciuti P ’83, Gerald Loyacona P ’12, Patricia Loyacona P ’12, Maria and Niklas, Ashley Frederick ’13, Francesca Vecchiarelli ’13, Lauren Gilbert P ’12, ’13, Hannah Gilbert Kelly ’12, and Alex Kelly ’12; back row: George and Lisa Frederick P ’13.

Lee Ware Kaviar ’02 and her husband, Brian, announce the birth of a daughter, Hope Blair Kaviar, October 27, 2022.

Andrew Rohman ’03 and his wife, Courtney, announce the birth of a daughter, Opal Rose Rohman, February 27, 2023, in Beverly, MA. Opal joins brother Blanan Peter Rohman, who turned 3 in December.

Leah and Brett Gallaway ’04 welcomed a son, Ace Benjamin Gallaway, May 5, 2023.

Natalie Hopkins Taylor ’09 and her husband, Dillon, welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth, July 16, 2022.

Fred Klein ’72, P ’11 sends greetings from Banning, CA, just east of Palm Springs: “Jill and I joined Mike Kort ’72 and Maria Kort for golf. It was a little chilly (for California) but Mike played his usual strong game, and I tried my best to keep up. Best wishes to everyone!” Clockwise from center front: Jill, Maria, Mike, and Fred.

Frank Balzebre ’72 and Eric Scoblionko ’72 got together at a classic car show in Miami, FL. Before Thanksgiving, Jeff Frankel ’72 and his son, Dan, drove to Culver City, CA, to see Eric at Eric’s son’s home. Eric also saw Jeff and his wife, Dara, while they were vacationing in Florida. Eric and Peter Lebovitz ’72 met up in Beaver Creek, CO. Peter was the third Mercersburg classmate Eric saw in a month. Eric notes, “I have seen more classmates this month than in the last 50 years.”

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’78

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Richard Greenberg shares, “I am still working full time as a professor of medicine at the University of Kentucky and mostly focusing on clinical research. Since 2020, I have been busy as a site principal investigator for my university’s participation in three Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine trials, as well as a few smaller non-COVID studies. Being in Lexington, the thoroughbred capital of the world, I have been breeding and racing [horses]. This year I had two that won stakes, so it has been a busy and good year.”

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Richard McCombs caught up with Frank “Mac” Butts, J.W. “Wick” Peterson, and Bill Thompson during a Zoom call.

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Mycologist Paul Stamets, an industry leader in psychedelic research, studied the benefits of mushrooms and started MycoMedica Life Sciences, PBC, a fungi research company focused on developing and delivering fungi-based therapeutic drugs. MycoMedica’s innovation, the Stamets Stack, uses a combination of ingredients to unlock the potential effectiveness of psilocybin in the prevention and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Psilocybe stametsii, a new species of mushroom, was named after Paul, who gave a presentation during Reunion Weekend.

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’75

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Ken Lockyer moved to Hobe Sound, FL. He is managing director of Oppenheimer and Co.

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Chili Hyde, who recently retired as an advertising vice president, shares: “Retirement is fabulous–great life so far!” She was looking forward to attending Reunion Weekend in June and seeing all the familiar smiling faces from the Class of 1978. “Now that I’m retired, I’m hoping to be able to reconnect with all these great people.”

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’79

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’80

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After being evacuated from the embassy in Kabul when Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in August 2021, Patrick Williams, director of the Islamabad Afghanistan Task Force for

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– continued on page 49

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Jeffrey Breit ’73 of Virginia Beach, VA, is shown with his wife, Suzanne, and Mercersburg classmate John Lake ’73 and his wife, Brenda, at Jeffrey’s son’s wedding. Jeffrey shares that he is “still standing,” has been married for 42+ years, and has served as a lawyer for 43 years. He handles mostly personal injury cases, but also has been a lawyer for the Democratic party and the last two Democratic governors. He has four children and is about to become a grandfather for the first time. One child is a mental-health therapist. One is a video editor. One is a child musical recording artist, and one is chief of staff for Klutch sports (NBA and NFL). Jeffrey was a member of the United States Tennis Association 65 and older tennis team that won the national title in 2022. He has a new hip. He spent 17 years as a law professor at William and Mary Law, three years as an evidence professor at Harvard, and one year at Columbia Law. “John Lake and I continue to go on surf trips and are hopefully brown and smiling from a May 2023 trip to Costa Rica. Dickie Cosgrove lives near my daughter in Asheville, NC, and helps her out all the time. Fifty years–how did we get here? Jethro Tull said ‘no’ to my reunion request.”

North Stamets ’73 shares a photo taken of him at Reed College in 1975. He is living in France.

While driving across the country with her daughter in July, Carol Furnary Casparian ’79, P ’11, ’13, ’16, ’20 stopped in for a quick mini Mercersburg reunion with Laura Tostevin Sacchi ’79 in the mountains of Montana. From left, Laura, Carol, and Elizabeth Casparian ’13.

Several Class of ’72 members celebrated the new year over a fun (and lengthy) lunch in Arlington, VA. From left: Peggy Jarvis Ferrin, Priscilla Bechter Kneisley, Fred Klein, Martha-Jane Snyder Byron, and Shelley Beck Ryan.

the U.S. Department of State, has focused on assisting his Afghan colleagues and allies left behind. Since June 2022, Patrick has led the U.S. government’s efforts in Pakistan to relocate Afghan allies from Afghanistan, through Pakistan, to the U.S. In this role, Patrick facilitated the relocation of hundreds of Afghan allies and their families. Patrick’s tenure in Pakistan is drawing to a close, but he notes with pride that while he wishes he could have done more, he is proud of the work his team has accomplished and wishes the best for those Afghans as they build new lives and destinies in the United States. He sends his regards to the Mercersburg community and asks that we don’t forget our allies left behind.

Manuel De La Fuente is living in Querétaro, Mexico.

’81

Thomas E. Schrecengost, father of Lynda Schrecengost ’81 and Thomas W. Schrecengost ’85, passed away November 23, 2022. Tom taught in the Washington Township school system, Frostburg State College,

Mercersburg Academy (faculty member, 197284), and Manatee Community College. He was the lay pastor of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in McConnellsburg, PA. In addition to his children, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maity.

’82

Russell Church shares: “My wife, Ann, and I have been living back in London since 2006. We have two sons, both studying in the United States, and we visit the U.S. very frequently. I was very saddened by the passing of Bo Burbank [P ’76, ’81, ’83, ’89, ’95], but was happy to see the photograph from his celebration-of-life service in the last edition. Besides being a great squash and tennis coach, Bo was so much fun to be around. I have fond memories of our travels to away matches with Bo at the wheel, and the dinners at the family home. On a personal level, being in the U.S. for the first time, Bo was like a father figure to me–and for that, I will always be grateful.”

Mercersburg

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’86

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Laura Jones Bibb of Reading, PA, shares that she is moving to Little River, SC, and would love to hear from anyone in or around that area.

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Jennifer Schlegel , an associate professor of anthropology at Kutztown University, was selected to be a Lehigh Valley Business Women of Influence and Circle of Excellence honoree. Jennifer, who serves on the boards of Diakon and Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries, was nominated by Scott Habecker, president and CEO of Diakon.

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’89

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John Hollinshead ’80 shares: “My wife, Carol, and I, along with Steven Givens ’80 and Kristina Givens, enjoyed a ski/snowboard trip with David Brumbaugh ’80 and Catherine Brumbaugh at Yellowstone Club Montana. Great times were had by all!”

classmates met for dinner April 1 at Bistro 112 in Shepherdstown, WV, a restaurant owned by Lars Golumbic ’86. From left, Mike McMahon ’86, Dave Confair ’86, and Lars.

Marina Harss ’90 shares: “I’m currently a journalist based in New York City, covering dance and culture. My first book, The Boy from Kyiv: Alexei Ratmansky’s Life in Ballet, will be published by Farrar Straus and Giroux in October 2023. Ratmansky, who grew up in Kyiv, trained at the Bolshoi school in Moscow, and is now based in New York, is one of the most exciting artists of our time. I’ve been following his career since 2005, when his ballet ‘The Bright Stream’ came to New York. Research for this book took me to Kyiv (where Ratmansky’s parents still live), Moscow, St. Petersburg, and many other interesting places. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to get to know both Ukraine and Russia before Russia’s tragic invasion.”

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’91

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Chris Frisby ’91 had his hands cast in alginate, subsequently to be cast in bronze, in remembrance of an African ancestor, Lima, a man of Umbundu, Angolan, origins. This work is part of a forthcoming memorial to African ancestors in the Ansonborough neighborhood of Charleston, SC. The memorial will sit near George and Anson streets, shown in photo above, where the remains of 36 Africans, Americans of African descent, and a Native American, interred in the 1700s burial plot, were uncovered during the 2013 renovation of the Charleston Gaillard Center. The vision of North Carolina sculptor Stephen Hayes, 36 pairs of hands cast in bronze will rim a concrete bowl-shaped depression in the ground near the site where the remains were found. Water will spray from each set of hands in this most recent addition to the landscape of parks and memorials in Charleston.

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Janelle Denny Cwik says she’s grateful she had the opportunity to come to Mercersburg this fall for a tour and to reconnect with Ron and Susan Simar P ’86, ’90, ’91, as well as Julie Handren Bell P ’17, ’18. She was looking forward to attending the Christmas Candlelight Service. She is a Ph.D. candidate for natural medicine with Quantum University, plans to continue operating her company while completing the Ph.D. program, and to create Two Lions Global Health to help others naturally heal from the inside out. She reconnected with former faculty member and running coach Dr. Jim Palmieri, who has been mentoring her in the field of medicine.

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John Barnes and Adam Klein met for dinner while in Los Angeles to see Penn State in the Rose Bowl, where the Lions triumphed 35-21. Joining John and Adam were their wives, Kassie and Dale, along with John and Kassie’s son Jack. The friends captured memories but no photo from their outing.

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’94

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’98

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Walter “Jay” Lee IV completed a master of business administration in accounting from Seton Hall University. He also earned a certification in ethical leadership from the NASBA Center for the Public Trust, and is preparing to take the CPA exam. He lives in Roanoke, VA, where he is accounting manager for Member One Federal Credit Union.

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Chris Holbert ’91 played Brutus in Avant Bard Theatre’s (formerly Washington Shakespeare Company) spring production of Julius Caesar in Washington, D.C.

Photo by DJ Corey Photography

GRIFFIN BURNS ’06: GIVING VOICE TO ANIME

When Griffin Burns ’06 was in college, he wondered if it would be possible to make a living as a creative adult.

When he moved to Los Angeles in 2010, a fortuitous email from a casting website led him to a successful career that not only channels his creativity as he works as a voice actor, but also enables him to play and perform music, and travel to interact with his fans.

The email called for a voiceover audition; Burns auditioned and landed the job. “That was really the light-bulb moment,” he said. “Honestly, if I had not booked that job, I wouldn’t have given voiceover a second thought.”

Over the years, he has created an impressive profile of work in video games, TV shows, and animated movies. Some of his most popular characters include Childe in ‘Genshin Impact,’ Doppio in “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure,” Muichiro from “Demon Slayer,” and Tadano in “Aggretsuko.”

He now has a significant fan base and travels throughout the country appearing at gaming and cosplay conventions. “I’m really well-known for a particular property called ‘Genshin Impact,’ and it’s got an absolutely huge following,” Burns said. “It has changed my life, really.” He also has an impressive following on TikTok and Twitter, with more than 850,000 and 220,000, respectively.

When he is not voicing anime, video games, or commercials, Burns is singing and playing guitar in his band, New New Girlfriend, and performing in and around Los Angeles. “I consider it a passion project,” Burns said.

At Mercersburg, he ran track and recalls living in Fowle Hall and Main Hall, where he was a prefect. He enjoyed getting to know his teachers and coaches, and has fond memories of “hanging out” with math faculty member and track & field coach David Grady P ’16, ’22, ’25 and his family. “He not only would coach me in math, but we’d talk shop about running and life, and I always appreciated that the teachers were integrated into the dorms and that they were accessible.”

Burns plans to advance his voiceover business and start booking mini-tours for his band. In the meantime, he will continue enjoying the scope and variety of his work. “I love it all because it’s great work, and it’s creative and fun,” he said.

– Debra Collins P ’14

Ajax, better known as Tartaglia and by his code name Childe, is a major antagonist/anti-villain, boss fight, and playable character in the 2020 action role-playing fantasy video game “Genshin Impact.”

Muichiro is a major supporting character in the 2016 fantasy manga and anime series “Demon Slayer.”

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CLASS NOTES

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Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27 and Chief Advancement Officer John Richardson, at left, met with alumni during an April trip to Korea. Alumni, at right, are Eddie Kang ’99, Paul Yun ’98, and Kenny Ko ‘03.

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The children of Jacquee Ross Grace ’07 (special events manager), Daniel Hulse (associate director of college counseling), and Kim Smith Shafer ’09 represented Showtime Elite Chambersburg for the 2022-23 competition season. Pictured from left: Kim, Elle Grace, Maddox Shafer, Kamdyn Shafer, Nova Hulse, Mia Hulse, and Jacquee.

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

Rachael Porter is a Ph.D. student at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and recently co-authored an article in Science Magazine titled “Cascading Failures in COVID-19 Vaccine Equity.” ’13

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

Jennifer Saracino, an assistant professor of art history at the University of Arizona School of Art, received a Barbara Thom postdoctoral fellowship from the Huntington Library near Los Angeles for the 2023-24 school year. The fellowship will allow Jennifer to revise her dissertation on the Uppsala Map of MexicoTenochtitlan into her first book manuscript. Uppsala is the earliest known map of Mexico City, painted by indigenous Nahua artists after the Spanish Conquest (c. 1540).

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

Mark Herring recently took over as owner of Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Cameron, NC, where he had been working as an associate for four years. His office provides comprehensive pediatric dental services to children and patients with special needs and complex medical care. He is looking forward to seeing all of his friends and classmates at Reunion Weekend in June 2024.

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

After six-and-a-half years as an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, David Hill IV made a lateral move to Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as a litigation restructuring counsel.

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

Carol Fagan Williams, mother of Gregory “Mac” Williams, passed away December 31, 2022.

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

’17

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

Taylor Siner graduated from West Virginia University in December with a degree in communications science and disorders, and is

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

25th

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

preparing to enroll in Gannon University, Ruskin, where she will pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

’19

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

20th 15th 10th

REUNION: June 7-9, 2024

5th 0th

After graduating from Penn State in May, Joseph Yonke moved to Miami to continue his career as an artist full time. He shares: “I will be painting as much as humanly possible, while also trying to work on the essential administrative obligations to grow my business. I will also be showing my work in exhibitions, such as at the Miami Beach SoHo House at the end of July and working with a company that represents artists.” He also plans on meeting and connecting with as many people as possible, and hopes to connect with other Mercersburg alumni. His website is yonkeart.com.

Faculty/Staff/Friends

Joan Winebrenner passed away December 15, 2022. She was the wife of Wirt Winebrenner Jr. ’54 (faculty emeritus); mother of Anne Winebrenner Knuth ’79, Wirt Winebrenner III ’82, and Jonathan Winebrenner ’86; mother-in-law of Lisa Pauley Winebrenner ’81; and aunt of Edward Smith ’83 (Board of Regents member), Hannah Smith Kudrik ’91, and Sarah Smith ’93

John Richard Stoner and his wife, Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Meyer Stoner, the parents of Laurie Rice (administrative coordinator for student life); grandparents of Andrew Eshleman ’07, Sara Eshleman ’09, Shayna Rice ’11, Kelly Hamilton ’13, Megan Rice ’14, and Jessica Rice Sempowski ’17; and great-uncle and great-aunt of Megan Dent-Carman

, passed away March 20 and April 16, 2023, respectively.

’07

An article written by Caldwell Butler ’14, “Building a One-of-a-Kind 2-8-0: Caldwell Butler Builds a John Allen-inspired Ore Hauler on a Budget,” was featured in the online publication Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine’s January 2023 issue. This is Caldwell’s first time being published.

Harrison Helm ’12, Michaella Hoehn-Saric ’13, and Maria Loyacona ’12 met for dinner in Miami with Maria’s fiancé, Niklas Sade. The couple married in March. See a photo from their wedding on page 45.

Grace Caroline Wiener ’14 and Zoe Alpert ’14 recently got together in New York City.

On “The Africa Sports Report” podcast, Foday Bangura ’22 discussed his soccer career at Villanova University, dreams of playing beyond college, his Mercersburg Academy experience, and the sociocultural issues that helped shape him.

JOSEPH LIEBER ’19 TAKES ROBOTICS EXPERIENCE INTO REAL WORLD WITH SELF-DRIVING GOLF CART

By Greta Lawler ’23

Joseph Lieber ’19 applied his passion for robotics to create a computer-controlled golf cart, which is able to autonomously transport people with reduced mobility across the campus of Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Lieber is a recent graduate of VMI, where he studied electrical engineering and computer science. His interest in engineering and robotics began while he was a student at Mercersburg.

“I spent the majority of my 11th-grade year up in the robotics lab, doing projects,” he said. “At the end of my 11thgrade year, I joined the RMRC (Rapidly Manufactured Robotics Competition) Team, which is where I fell in love with robotics and engineering as a whole. I’d always loved mechanical stuff, but my experience on the RMRC team cemented my passion for designing more complex systems.”

As a senior, Lieber participated in the Rapid App Development Springboard, where he developed the base functionality for an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) robot.

“These experiences gave me the foundation to understand how complex these systems could be and how much I didn’t know,” Lieber said.

When Lieber graduated from Mercersburg and enrolled at VMI, he quickly started looking for new projects.

“The goal of the computer-controlled golf cart,” Lieber noted, “as far as an academic point of view, is to allow students to have more access to projects that are multidisciplinary. This project forced us to enter a multidisciplinary field, where we weren’t just dealing with software or circuits or mechanical engineering. We had to integrate all three of them in order to form and implement our solution.”

Although the golf cart is primarily a learning project, Lieber hopes it will eventually aid the alumni office when elderly alumni come to campus.

“The vehicle will hopefully be developed so that alumni can just hop on, press a location, and the golf cart will drive them [to a location on campus],” Leiber said.

Lieber serves as the team’s project manager, as well as the lead technical person.

“The hardest part of the project is understanding from a management point of view how much thought goes into the design in order to have several complex systems come together and work together very fluently. I also learned just how important documentation is. It takes a very long time to document everything, and that’s a much longer process

than I think most people realize before going into software engineering—such a large volume of your time will be dedicated to documentation so your work isn’t wasted and having to be redone.”

After VMI, Lieber plans to fulfill his ROTC service requirement in the Army Reserves. He also will work for Raytheon Technologies, a major aerospace and defense company.

“As far as career ambitions, between Mercersburg and VMI, I’ve found where I’m really consistently passionate is the firmware and software side of robotics,” Lieber said. “That’s where the rubber meets the road, and you’re able to implement all these really cool and interesting systems.”

From the robotics lab at Mercersburg to the golf-cart paths of VMI, Lieber shared that his most important learning has always come from getting involved in hands-on, real-world projects.

His best advice to Mercersburg students and recent graduates? “Whether it’s at Mercersburg or during your college experience, get involved with a project that you’re passionate about, where you can apply the stuff that you’re learning in the classroom. Because if you’re not applying what you’re learning in the classroom, then you’re missing out on a lot of the experience that a school can offer.”

Greta Lawler plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall to study chemical engineering.

Joseph Lieber ’19, a 2023 graduate of Virginia Military Institute (VMI), can steer, accelerate, and brake this computer-controlled golf cart by tapping a key on a computer keyboard. The technology Lieber developed can autonomously transport people with reduced mobility across the campus of VMI.

Photo by Kelly Nye/Courtesy of VMI

In Memoriam

c ’39

Thomas Farrell, March 24, 2023. After Mercersburg, he went to Princeton University, graduating in the Class of 1943. Thomas worked as a chemist, retiring to Venice, FL. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marge; two children; and three grandchildren.

c ’42

Earl August Rice Jr., December 15, 2022. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, before joining Mt. Parnell Fisheries in Mercersburg, a family business. He later went to work with his father-in-law at FSK Matthews, a propane gas and appliance business he helped manage in Emmitsburg, MD, until 1983. He planned to retire but started selling cattle in the Midwest, specifically Kansas, which he continued to do into his 90s. He is survived by two children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

c ’44

R. Earle Leonard Jr., September 13, 2019. Earle was an alumnus of Princeton University. He served in the Navy during World War II and spent most of his professional career in the electrical division of Reynolds Metals Co. He and his wife, Connie, were married for 68 years. He is survived by a sister and five children, as well as eight grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

James Marsh Jr., February 26, 2023. Jim served in the Army Air Corps as a weather observer and was a graduate of Princeton University. He worked as a personnel manager for General Electric Co., retiring in 1987. For 25 years, he sat on the Oneida County Board of

Cooperative Education. For 10 years, he was a trustee, chair, or co-chair of the Herkimer County Community College Board. During his tenure, the board began a Ph.D. program in conjunction with Utica College. After moving to Maine, he served on the President’s Advisory Committee of Southern Maine Community College. Jim is survived by three children, 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Richard Murtland, November 4, 2021. Dick was the brother of the late J. Victor Murtland ’39 and A. Meade Murtland ’43. He graduated in 1950 from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Dick served in the medical corps of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After two years of service, he completed his medical training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in thoracic and vascular surgery. In 1959, he joined the Monterey, CA, medical community, living there for 60 years. He is survived by his wife, Linda, his children, and grandchildren.

c ’45

John William Becker, July 28, 2020.

Walter Newkirk, May 3, 2021. Bud graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1944, and then completed a year at Mercersburg Academy, playing football for both, before returning home to help manage the family’s crop and dairy farm. When he left farming, he enrolled in the electronic technology program at Salem County Vocational Technical School, completing the program in 1962. Bud was then hired by IBM as a field engineer and enjoyed a 25-year career helping troubleshoot and resolve equipment problems at businesses

throughout southern New Jersey. He also earned an AA science degree from Salem Community College in 1973. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris. He is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren.

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Ralph Kenneth Perry, February 27, 2023. Ken was class salutatorian and a member of the debate team at Mercersburg. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton University and pursued a career with Procter & Gamble, Lever Brothers, the Army Chemical Center during the Korean War, and Monsanto Corporation. After retirement, Ken and his wife, Margaret, taught English as a second language in China. He visited all 32 towns in the U.S. named Princeton and authored the book Breakfast in Princeton, USA: A Year-Long Odyssey. Ken was preceded in death by his two children and is survived by his wife.

George Young Jr., March 15, 2012. He was a 1945 graduate of Gaithersburg High School, a 1946 graduate of Mercersburg, and a 1950 graduate of Franklin & Marshall College. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and later received a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, three children, and four grandchildren.

c ’47

William Sage Dalzell, March 2, 2018.

Robert Jones, July 14, 2022. He is survived by his son, Richard S. Jones ’81.

’46

c ’48

Hugh Doney, August 3, 2022. After Mercersburg, Hugh earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Dickinson College, a master’s degree in geology from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. from University of Texas at Austin. Hugh taught geology at Del Mar College and Northeast Louisiana State College. Hugh was preceded in death by his brother, John Doney ’50. He is survived by three children and six grandchildren.

Frank Harris Harvey Jr., January 25, 2023. He was the brother of the late Robert M. Harvey ’45. After Mercersburg, he attended Princeton University and Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He worked for the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., then the law firm Brouse McDowell, where he was a managing partner from 1984 until 1989. He retired in 1995, but continued to serve in an “of counsel” capacity. He is survived by his children, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Francis Effingham Laimbeer III, July 28, 2022. Frank received an undergraduate degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in education from The State University of New York in Geneseo, NY. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as a sergeant during the Korean War. He taught mathematics at The Harley School in Rochester, NY, from 1959 to 1981, and at The Wakefield School in Flint Hill, VA, from 1981 to 1990, and continued tutoring students in mathematics well into his 80s. He is survived by a half brother, his children, and his grandchildren.

James Meminger, November 22, 2022. After Mercersburg, he attended Elizabethtown College and the Rutgers University Graduate School for Estates and Trusts. He served in the Korean War with the U.S. Army. While serving in the Army, he was recruited to play on the U.S. Army-Air Force basketball team. He was inducted into the Elizabethtown College Athletic Hall of Fame for lettering in basketball, tennis, and soccer. He spent most of his career as a trust banker in Allentown, PA, where he served as a senior vice president and senior trust officer. He was active in numerous banking trust committees in Pennsylvania, and taught trust banking at Bucknell University before serving as school director. He is survived by three daughters and four grandchildren.

David Clark Palmer, March 5, 2023. After serving in the U.S. Army, he received an MBA from Cornell University. He worked for Eastman Kodak and then taught high school business at South Huntington School District on Long Island. During the summer, he operated Palmer Point Boats and Cottages on Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks, where he established sailboat racing. He spent winters in Sun City Center near Tampa, FL, and served on the security patrol and ambulance. He is survived by two children.

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Alan Bleznak, March 2, 2023. Alan was a prominent builder, developer, and principal of the Bleznak Organization. He was the brother of Richard Bleznak ’44. He was predeceased by a daughter. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, two children, and two grandchildren.

Jonathan Lee Peeler, January 8, 2023. After Mercersburg, he graduated from the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, the North Carolina Institute of Finance, and Alexander Hamilton Institute, and he was a member of Sigma Chi. After college, he joined his father’s investment banking firm, J. Lee Peeler & Co. He was a member of Midwest Stock Exchange, chairman of the North Carolina Municipal Council, chairman of the Security Dealers of the Carolinas, member of the board of directors of the North Carolina Advisory Committee, and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Jonathan supported a large number of charities, regularly donated platelets, delivered food for Meals on Wheels, tutored, and transported families to Butner Prison. He is survived by his wife, Alice, four children, 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Jack Witty, October 3, 2021.

c ’50

Joseph Anthony Albanese, January 8, 2023. Joe graduated from Yale University and served in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of lieutenant. His career in advertising included R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in North Carolina and Dancer, Fitzgerald, and Sample on Madison Avenue in New York City. He and his wife, Jean, were proprietors of a sporting goods store in Chappaqua and Mount Kisco, NY, and later continued in the sporting goods retail business in South Carolina. In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by three children, including John Albanese ’80; five grandchildren; and a sister.

Thomas Ray Puffer, October 16, 2022. Tom graduated from Hamilton College with a bachelor’s degree in history and later obtained a graduate certificate in industrial relations from the University of California. He served as an infantry captain in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent a 50-year career with the nonprofit San Diego Employers Association, leading the organization for many years as its managing director, president, and chairman of the board. He also taught industrial relations at the University of San Diego. Tom is survived by a daughter, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

c ’51

R. Graham Dunlop, July 13, 2022. A graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and Allegheny College, Graham served in the U.S. Navy as a submarine communications officer. Upon discharge from active service in 1959, he began his career as a bank officer for Mellon Bank, working there until his retirement as an assistant vice president and branch manager. Graham was a former member of Mercersburg’s Alumni Council. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, and served on the boards of music for Mt. Lebanon, the South Hills Child Guidance Center, and Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church. He was predeceased by his brother, Gordon S. Dunlop ’59. Survivors include his wife, three children, two stepchildren, six grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

William Haskell, November 25, 2022. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Yale

and a master’s degree at the Columbia University School of Journalism. William took a leave of absence from Yale to serve three years with the Green Berets (77th Special Forces), U.S. Army Airborne. He spent the majority of his journalism career writing for the Torrington Register, for which he covered court proceedings and produced a popular weekly column. Before working at the Register, he worked for newspapers from New Zealand to Nantucket, with stints in broadcast news at WTIC in Hartford and in Manhattan for news units of CBS, NBC, and ABC. One of his favorite assignments was for Science magazine, which deployed him to Antarctica to cover a story. He was predeceased by his brother, R. Kent Haskell ’47. He is survived by his partner, Marcia Evans, two children and four grandchildren. He was the uncle of Richard K. Haskell ’72, who also survives him.

Richard McCaffrey, November 10, 2019. Following his graduation from Georgetown University, Dick served in the Marine Corps and then moved to Alexandria, where he began a career in real estate that spanned more than 50 years until his death. Survivors include Gayle, his wife of 31 years; five children; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

c ’52

Richard Kline Jr., February 9, 2023, Richard attended Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College), Westminster, MD, in 1957. He was vice president of R.F. Kline, Inc., a Maryland-based highway construction company founded by

his father in 1946. A lifelong theatre organ enthusiast, he was a member of the Washington, D.C., Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and a member of the American Theatre Organ Society, serving on its national board for years. He is survived by his niece and cousins Richard R. Kline ’49, Jay D. Kline ’51, Lea Kline Allen ’73, Ralph I. Kline ’76, John R. Kline ’03, Harry W. Kline ’04, and Emily Wroe ’04.

Donald Laubach Jr., November 27, 2022. After Mercersburg, Mike attended Lafayette College. He was stationed in Korea with the 8th Army Headquarters Adjutant General Section and honorably discharged as first class sergeant in 1955. He was employed in the Display Advertising Department of the Easton Express for many years before retiring. He was predeceased by his parents, Josephine and Donald G. Laubach Sr. ’17; and one son. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris “Pat;” two sons; and seven grandchildren.

Arno Paul Niemand, November 1, 2022. He went to Cornell University and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Following military service, he joined and became the president of the family business, Niemand Industries, from 1960 to 1990; he then launched the fitness product Body Bar. His book, The Dream Team of 1947, tells the story of the small Cornell College team in Mt. Vernon, IA, that won the NCAA national wrestling championship. Arno’s Body Bar Company sponsored the first U.S. women’s wrestling team when that sport was added to the 2004 Olympics. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in

2009. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda.

Thomas Appel Salsbury, March 22, 2022. Tom graduated from Washington & Lee University. Following college, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a gunnery officer aboard the USS Columbus stationed in the South Pacific. Upon completion of his service, he returned to the East Coast to begin a long career in the field of human resources, working for Westvaco Pulp and Paper Mill, Columbian Rope Co., and later Crouse-Hinds Co. and Welch-Allyn. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph M. Salsbury Jr. ’51, and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eleanor, and his three sons, five grandchildren, and a nephew, Mark D. Salsbury ’70.

c ’53

R. Lee Byers, December 14, 2022. Lee attained a B.A. from Juniata College, B.S. from Carnegie Mellon University, M.S. from the University of Rochester, and Ph.D. from Penn State University. Lee taught engineering for Penn State University and the University of New Hampshire, and joined the Exxon Research and Engineering Department, and then ALCOA Aluminum. Following retirement, he owned and operated a consulting group known as R.E. Byers Associates Inc. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Sylvia; four children; six grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

Carl Robert Frederick , September 20, 2022.

James Loveless, February 3, 2023.

Jim earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University in 1957, and a

master of fine arts from Indiana University in 1960. He taught at Hope College, the University of Kentucky, and Colgate University. His work is included in the collections of Chase Manhattan Bank, Ithaca College, the Martha Jackson Print Gallery, MunsonWilliams-Proctor, Gettysburg College, Hamilton College, and Colgate, among others. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, RuthAnn; five children; nine grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

John Ross, December 27, 2022. John graduated from Yale University with a bachelor of engineering degree with honors in 1957, and received an MBA from Golden Gate University in 1972. John was hired by Standard Oil Co. of California during college, and held a wide variety of positions in numerous locations, ending as a vice president of international product marketing when he retired after 36 years. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Diane “Dee Dee”; two children; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

c ’54

John Evans III , March 25, 2023. John attended Williams College before completing a master of science degree in mechanical engineering at MIT. John’s professional career as a mechanical engineer included working on the team that designed the McDonnell Douglas F15, thermo regulation systems for chemical plants at Monsanto, and silicon wafers for FruCon and MEMC. Mid-career, he started a housing rehab company. He was predeceased by his parents, Betty and James E. Evans Jr. ’26; an uncle, Merle A. Evans ’22; cousins James M. Evans ’49 and Peter A.

Evans ’54; and two sons. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; one daughter; and cousins Geoffrey F. Evans ’57, Stacy D. Evans ’83, and Kirsten K. EvansOrville ’85.

c ’55

Curtner Akin Jr., September 1, 2021. He was the son of the late Curtner B. Akin (1924) and brother of Edward S. Akin ’57.

Robert Bruce Mercatoris, February 18, 2023. Bob (“Doc”) graduated from Meadville High School, where he was a track star, still holding the 440yard dash record. After high school, he was recruited to play football at Mercersburg Academy for a year before entering the University of Miami, earning a bachelor of science in business administration. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force, then joined the family business, Mercatoris Oil. Bob eventually became president and CEO of Mercatoris Realty, and owner and proprietor of Stateside Laundromat. He was predeceased by his brother, Clarence G. Mercatoris Jr. ’50 Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Mary; three daughters; three grandchildren; and nephews Clarence G. Mercatoris III ’75 and Mark A. Mercatoris ’78.

James McPherson Proctor III, March 27, 2023. He earned a Navy officer training scholarship to Princeton University, where he graduated with honors in 1959 and was captain of the varsity swim team. He served on active duty as a Marine Corps lieutenant, and later graduated from Georgetown Law Center and practiced law in Washington, D.C. He became associate general counsel of the Small Business

Administration, prior to beginning a long career with General Investment Funds in Chevy Chase, MD. He was president of GIF Properties Inc. until his retirement. He is survived by two children and six grandchildren.

Richard Zirkle, November 18, 2022.

c ’56

James Jeffries Chapman III, May 17, 2017. Jay received a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Virginia. He accepted a teaching job at MSU in the 1970s. He is survived by a son.

William Higinbotham, December 8, 2016.

John Phelps, November 20, 2022. After Mercersburg, Pat graduated from Harvard University and the University of Missouri School of Law. Pat served in the U.S. Army. He began his private law practice in 1965, later serving as the prosecuting attorney for Jasper County, MO, and working as a trust attorney for United Missouri Bank before retiring in 2003. Pat is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn; three children; nine grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

Joseph Algernon Wallace, November 13, 2022. Joseph graduated from Michigan State University. While there, he was class treasurer and class president. His juris doctor was conferred by Tulane University, where he received the Silver Key Award for his outstanding contribution to law schools in the (then) Fifth Circuit. Joseph served in the U.S. Army. He later practiced law in Elkins, WV, and served two terms on the West Virginia State Bar Board of

Governors. He was also a co-founder, charter, and board member of the WV Defense Trial Counsel and was a mediator for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. Joseph was predeceased by his brother, John J. Wallace III ’49. He is survived by three children.

c ’57

John Cantzon Foster Jr., April 3, 2023. After Mercersburg, he attended Duke University on a Naval ROTC scholarship. Upon graduation in 1961, John was commissioned an ensign and entered active duty. Following promotion to captain, John spent his final tour of duty as chief of the U.S. Naval Mission to Colombia, in Bogota, and retired from there in 1984. After leaving active duty, he taught Naval Junior ROTC. Along the way, he earned a master’s degree from Western Carolina University and a doctorate in education through the University of South Carolina, and fully retired in 2006. He was preceded in death by his brother, James A. Hayne III ’55, and is survived by his wife, Joye; a son; and a grandson.

Harry Daniel Gerber, January 9, 2023. Harry graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, flying heavy cargo airplanes. After receiving an MBA in contract law from George Washington University, he worked in procurement. Following his active-duty service, Harry spent another 25 years in the private sector, working primarily on contracts with the FAA. Following retirement, he served as a docent at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and delivered Meals on Wheels. Harry is survived by Barbara, his wife

of 62 years, two children, and four grandchildren.

Robert Philip Hoover, December 15, 2022. Bob received a bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College, a master of divinity in 1964 from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a doctor of ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary. He served as the most continuous pastor, 41 years, for the Logos Ministry. He is survived by his wife, Linda; two children; a brother, Benjamin A. Hoover ’55; and nephew Jonathan R. Hoover ’90.

Leighton Ross Scott Jr., December 20, 2022.

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’58

Robert Streeter Perry, April 7, 2023. Bob received a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and an MBA from Plymouth State College. Over his lifetime, Bob was employed by several companies, and served as treasurer, vice president, and president of New England Acceptance Corporation, and as treasurer of Perry Motors. He is survived by his wife, Judith; two children; and four grandchildren. He was the son of the late Charles W. Perry (1929)

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’59

Antonio Enrique Colberg Perez, March 1, 2020. He was predeceased by his brother, Wilson F. Colberg ’50; and uncle, Ramon Aboy ’28. He is survived by brothers, Herman W. Colberg ’51 and Jorge R. Colberg ’63

Christopher Montgomery, February 4, 2021. Chris graduated from New York University with a degree in accounting and received a CPA license. He was an

officer in the U.S. Navy and served as a defense courier during the Vietnam War before working as an accountant. Chris was predeceased by his father, Robert Montgomery ’33, and is survived by three siblings.

Matthew Perry, February 20, 2023. Matt received a bachelor of business administration from Bryant College (now University) and served in the U.S. Army. He later joined the family insurance business, Perry & Swartwood (now Perry & Carroll). Matt is survived by his wife of 37 years, Joy; four children, including James W. Perry ’87; and seven grandchildren.

c ’60

Donald Burns Lewis Jr., September 5, 2022. He was the brother-in-law of the late Lawrence Lattomus II ’51.

Lee Franklin McVay, May 25, 2022. He was the brother of Demas L. McVay Jr. ’51.

Daniel Treloar III, December 7, 2022. After Mercersburg, Dan attended Mount Union College, and served in the U.S. Army from 1962-65 with the 13th USA field station in Menwith Hill, England. Dan’s career was with Westinghouse Corp. for 28 years. He retired in 1994. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; two children; four grandchildren; and a brother, David Treloar ’60

c ’61

Cheston Browning, November 20, 2022. After Mercersburg, Sonny worked in the family-owned supermarket in Oakland, MD, and was general manager of Browning’s Oakland Market from 1972-77. He was vice president of

corporate development for Browning’s, Inc. from 1977-81. In 1987, he bought and operated Tommy’s Market in Cumberland, MD. He served as a board member and executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Food Dealers Association of Baltimore, MD, and was past president, secretary, and director of the Foodland Markets Retailer Association. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Earldean; two children, including W. Scott Browning ’88; three grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and nephew Michael T. Browning ’74. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Cheston H. Browning (1912); uncles, Donald M. Browning ’43, John R. Browning ’47, and Thomas D. Browning ’48; and cousin, Robert E. Browning ’65.

Joel Lynn, July 25, 2022. Joel graduated from Brown University, after which he joined the Marines. Joel served in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart. He spent several years as a stockbroker before learning clock-making. After school and an apprenticeship, he opened his own clock repair business. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn.

c

’62

John Pearse Kaufman, January 1, 2023. John received a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and earned a medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, graduating as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He interned at the University of Michigan, and did a residency at the University of Virginia. After his residency, John served in the U.S. Air Force before joining his father’s dermatology practice. He was

predeceased by his uncle, Howell B. Kaufman ’31, and is survived by two children; four grandchildren; brother, Richard B. Kaufman ’65; niece, Julia K. Kaufman Nussdorfer ’99; nephew, Richard P. Kaufman ’00; and greatnephew Jonathan M. Nussdorfer ’26.

c ’63

James Weaver Jr., November 27, 2022. After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan, he entered the Navy and was selected for the Navy’s Officer’s Candidate School and earned an advanced degree in the nuclear reactor program. After the Navy, James was active in the International Union for Conservation of Nature. He later enrolled in a doctoral program at the University of Maryland to study economics. James worked as an environmental engineer and later co-founder of Market Metrics in 1983. He founded Empower Partners and was co-founder of the Hourglass Foundation. James is survived by two children and a grandson.

c ’64

Russell Ameter, August 6, 2022. Russell served in the Navy, Air Force, and the Michigan Air National Guard, ultimately as a flight surgeon. He is survived by his wife, Darlene; four children; three stepchildren; and 12 grandchildren.

Andrew Kreider II, December 28, 2019. He was predeceased by his father, Andrew J. Kreider (1926).

c ’65

Thomas Cahalan Jr., January 1, 2023. Tom was an All-American swimmer at Mercersburg and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. He was

president of W&L Sales Co. for several years. From 1994 to 2000, Tom served as a member of Mercersburg’s Board of Regents. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Cahalan ’67, and is survived by his wife, Linda.

c ’67

Richard Goeringer Binford, October 30, 2022. Rick graduated from the Blue Ridge School in Virginia and later attended Guilford College in North Carolina. He owned and operated Lush Lawns & Landscaping in Florida, then operated a home-improvement business in Hagerstown, MD. He is survived by a brother, Mark Binford ’74, and nephew, Christian Binford ’11

Dennis Hawbaker, January 16, 2023. Dennis graduated from Pennsylvania State University. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen; two children; brother, Jeff Hawbaker ’71, and cousin, Lynn W. Hawbaker ’67

c ’68

David John Dunigan III, January 31, 2023. David attended the University of Colorado and was an instructor at St. Mary’s College, where he ran the school’s ocean-sailing program. He was an active ocean-racing participant with yachts and was the founder and president of “On Time, Every Time,” a local yacht delivery service. He is best known for his photography work with several magazines, and for his films recording sailing fleets up and down the East Coast and as far afield as Cuba. He is survived by his mother and four siblings.

c ’71

Edward Keyser Masland Jr., March 16, 2023. Skip went to Rollins College and then had a successful career in advertising and public relations. He is survived by his wife, Teresa; two children; two grandchildren; and two stepchildren.

John Harrington Tanous, January 27, 2023. John graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and earned an MBA from the University of Florida. After a career in music, he pursued a second career as a financial analyst. He is survived by his wife, Pam; one son; and two siblings, including James Tanous ’77.

c ’73

Gregory Kemp, August 14, 2018. Greg was an avid skier and built two homes with the help of friends and family. Greg is survived by one son.

c ’74

Jeffrey Jacobs Isaacson, October 25, 2022. Jeffrey spent his career as an accountant with the United Jewish Federation. He is survived by his parents, two children, and five grandchildren.

c ’81

Monya (Von) Woodard Mu’min, January 17, 2021. She is survived by her sons and a grandson.

c ’82

John Lindley Saucer, April 7, 2023. John attended The University of Texas, where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. He had a successful career in

the energy industry, and was the vice president of corporate strategy and development at Mobius Risk Group. Prior to Mobius, John spent 13 years at the Houston-based energy fund AAA Capital Management Advisors as a trading principal and petroleum specialist and 12 years at Citigroup, seven as vice president of energy analysis. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; three children; his father; and his sister, Jamie Saucer Holland ’81.

c ’84

Marc Andrews Rizzo, March 28, 2023. Marc received a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. After graduation, he worked for Sen. Dick Gephardt. He then earned a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Marc was the director of the Patriot Swim Team at Beacon High School in Beacon, NY, and had a long career as a chef, at one time owning the Mill House Panda in Poughkeepsie, NY. He also worked as head chef at various ski resorts in Colorado, including the Wildflower in Vail. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa; four children, two stepchildren; and two grandchildren.

c ’88

John Andrew DuPuy, December 13, 2022.

Todd Hershey, February 22, 2023. Todd graduated from Elon College. He succeeded his father as president of Delmarby Inc., where for 22 years he managed the three Arby’s restaurants in Salisbury, MD. As a director of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Todd served terms as treasurer and secretary, and as chairman of the Asset Development Committee. Todd

served on the board of Atlantic General Hospital Foundation for many years, eventually becoming chairman. He also served on the board of the WorWic Community College Foundation and served on the Greater Salisbury Committee. He is survived by his father, W. Thomas Hershey ’61; four children; and his sister, Melinda M. Hershey Houck ’85, and brother-inlaw, Glenn W. Houck ’85.

c Former Faculty/ Staff/Friends

Carl Cowan, former custodian (1978-2010), February 27, 2023.

John “Eddie” Evans, former driver (2008-13), March 18, 2023.

Earle Grover, faculty emeritus (195292), director of music education, and language faculty member, January 24, 2023. Earle led the football marching band, the assembly band, and the “Blue and White Melodians,” a dance band with a “big-band” sound. He assembled a 35-piece concert band to perform classical and light classical music at the school’s spring concert and prepared the 85-voice glee club for an annual celebration of Mercersburg’s musical life. In 1964, he became a full-time teacher of German, and later was appointed chairman of the foreign language department. In 1981, he was appointed to the Robert Black Chair, the first recipient of that honor. In 1991, he received the Alumni Council Award for Outstanding Service to Mercersburg. The Earle H. Grover Endowment Fund, a resource to support German immersion opportunities for Mercersburg students, was established in his honor in 2010 through a gift by Dr. J. Laurence Ransom ’65

Remembering Climber Andy Tyson ’87

Editor’s note: This tribute to the late Andy Tyson ’87, written in support of the Mercersburg Outdoor Education (MOE) program, was authored by Andy’s father, faculty emeritus Dave Tyson, who served at Mercersburg from 1958-98.

At Mercersburg, Andy Tyson ’87 participated in cross country, wrestling, and pole vault. He gravitated to Jim Malone’s relatively new outdoor activity club. A favorite chuckle came one day when Jim excitedly said, “Have you ever seen Andy climb!?” This was directed to Henrietta, Andy’s mom, who had been coaxing Andy down from high places since he was little!

Andy graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, with a degree in physical education and geology. While at Wittenberg, Andy and another kindred spirit started an outdoor club. During his senior year, Andy took a term away for a course with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), which had offices in Lander, WY.

Andy’s work for the next 14 years or so was with two organizations involving outdoor programs and climbing, NOLS and Alpine Ascents, where Andy instructed students in general outdoor living. His work took him to the following mountains (summiting most but not all): Everest, Cho Oyu, Nandi Dev, and Gamlang Razi in the Himalayas; McKinley (now Denali) in Alaska; Aconcagua in Argentina; Vinson Massif in Antarctica; and Mount Blanc in the Alps.

Andy met his wife, Molly, when they were NOLS instructors with the same program. Andy and Molly bought a home near Driggs, ID, on the west side of the Tetons.

Andy’s most significant achievement in climbing took place in 2013 at the very northern tip of Myanmar (Burma), when he led a team to make the first ever ascent of Gamlang Razi (Mount Gamlang).

Andy co-authored two books related to climbing: Illustrated Guide to Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue, written with illustrator Mike Clelland and published by Climbing magazine in 2000, and Climbing Self Rescue, co-authored with Molly and published by Mountaineers Books in 2006.

In 2001, Andy and a friend at NOLS started a business, Creative Energies, and they were joined a year later by another partner from NOLS. Initially they thought to work with solar, wind, water, and geothermal power, but fairly quickly honed in on solar.

In 2015, Andy and two of his workers were flown to a small mountain landing strip in the mountains of Idaho to see how solar power might be effectively installed at a ranch there. When taking off to return, the pilot misjudged the winds, causing the plane to crash into a tree. All four in the plane died in that crash.

To read the full version of this tribute and find additional information about Andy, visit Mercersburg’s magazine web page.

Andy Tyson ’87 climbed many spectacular mountains, including this one in Oman, western Asia.

Photo by Gabe Rogel

c Former Faculty/ Staff/Friends

Virginia Gay Hair, former alumni office executive secretary, December 14, 2022.

Audrey Joanne Harmon, former staff member (1957-86), December 16, 2022.

Christie Hawbaker, former staff member (1992-2009), December 9, 2022.

Lois Keller, former health center medical secretary (1959-2000), January 8, 2023.

Charles Allen Weeks, former faculty member (1960-79), July 15, 2022.

George “Buff” Weigand Jr., former faculty member (1950-51), January 29, 2023.

David Yeager, former staff member who operated the post office at Mercersburg (1967-2002), January 15, 2023.

Former Staff

Mary Louise (Dolly) Burke-Reidout

Mary Louise (Dolly) Burke-Reidout, a longtime member of the Mercersburg Academy community, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Allentown, PA. Dolly began her career at Mercersburg Academy in September 1965, and remained until her retirement in January 1992. Dolly will be remembered for her invaluable contributions to the school, particularly her assistance with gatherings at the headmaster’s house and her work at the dining hall.

“Louise was a wonderful member of our community in every way,” said faculty member Jim Malone P ’01, ’03. “She was a great resource and a kind listener for many of our students.”

Dolly continued to maintain her connection with Mercersburg, even after her retirement. In 2019, she was awarded a 26-year service recognition award from Mercersburg’s Black Student Union. Her love for reading Amish fiction novels and watching basketball, football, and TV Westerns was well-known among her friends and family. Dolly was a faithful Bethel A.M.E. Church of Mercersburg member for many years. She sang in the choir and was an emeritus trustee board member. She always made herself available to perform services for her church whenever needed.

The daughter of Mary Rebecca (Watson) Burke and John (Pete) E. Burke, Dolly grew up in Mercersburg and graduated from Mercersburg High School. She married Albert Ernest Reidout and had two daughters, Deborah Ann Joyner and Valerie Louise Reidout. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Deborah, two sisters, and brothers. She is survived by her daughter Valerie, a sister, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and cats.

– Zoe Shykind ’24

Faculty member Jim Malone converses with Mary Louise (Dolly) Burke-Reidout at a 2019 ceremony, during which she received a 26-year service recognition award from Mercersburg’s Black Student Union.

The Community Read has been announced! This summer, students will be reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge!

/MburgAlumni

Members of Community Engagement were busy hanging out with Mayor Michael Pedersen ’95. Their mission was to brighten up the town by planting pansies (and telling Brody he’s a good boy ). #BoardingSchool #MburgFamily

#CommunityEngagement #Mercersburg

@MburgAlumni

Mercersburg Academy’s Black Alumni Association recently held a happy hour that was hosted in multiple cities and then connected through Zoom. In NYC, from left, are Jasen Wright ’99, Vanessa Youngs ’03, Gnim Bazim ’18, and Hope Sanders ’18.

Be sure to check out these Mercersburg Instagram accounts!

@MburgBurgIn

@MburgAthletics

@MburgSAC

@MburgGreenTeam

/Mercersburg1893

@MburgGlobal

@MburgSummer

@LenfestLibrary

From Paint the Numbers to Irving-Marshall Week, Mercersburg has interesting, quirky, and long-standing traditions that set it apart from other schools.

Elizabeth Fitzgerald ’18, Thomas Yonke ’19, and Cole Kissam ’18 recently had an Mburg reunion in New York City. #MburgAlumni #MburgMeetup

Rolling on the River

Music faculty member Bryan Morgan ’07 leads the Jazz Band during the Spring Pops Concert.