Moravian Academy Journal - Spring 2018

JOURNAL

SPRING

2018

CONTENTS SPRING 2018

1 From the Headmaster 2 Shining Bright 4 Talent Abounds at the Middle and Upper School 5 Into the Woods 6 Thank you to our Retiring Faculty and Staff!

10 Fields and Courts 12 Through the Looking Glass: Moravian Academy Auction

14 15 16 17 18 19 21 28 32

Moravian Academy in the Community International Festival for All Families Summer at the Academy Preview Lehigh Valley Summerbridge Student Lebenslauf: “Same Difference?”

Institutional Advancement News Alumni News Gapp Extension School

HEADMASTER Jeffrey M. Zemsky BOARD OF TRUSTEES Christopher Weiler – Chair Mary Catherine Tachovsky – Vice Chair Brian Loftus – Secretary Lawrence B. Eighmy – Treasurer Tasha Bolden James Boylan Erica D’Agostino ’91 Joan Duckloe Daniel Eyvazzadeh ’96 Michael Gulati Matthew McQueen ’99 Jaime Mitchell Stuart Paxton Christine Perrucci Joanne Regina Kathleen Waterbury Reilly Christian Rice The Honorable Paula Roscioli ’83 Carole Devey Schachter ’76 Karen Pearce Sonier ’78 John Spurlock ’01 Mary Wilford-Hunt

HONORARY TRUSTEES Margaret Baldock Steven Krawiec Gordon L. Sommers ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES (FACULTY) Katherine Martin Burd ’96 Sarah Harshman Lisa Molina-Cheung ADVISORS TO THE BOARD Jeffrey M. Zemsky – Headmaster Dylan Deal – Director of Upper School John Donecker – Director of Middle School James L. Kirtland – Director of Business and Financial Affairs Ann S. Mindler ’70P – Assistant Head of School Susan Parent – Director of Lower School Robert J. Zaiser – Director of Institutional Advancement EDITORS Amey Owen Stephanie Vasta

In conjunction with the Office of Admissions, Moravian Academy created a Parent Ambassador Network (PAN) of approximately 25 members to represent our school by sharing their many and varied experiences with other families in and about the Greater Lehigh Valley. We know that our parents are our best advocates and tell stories about our Moravian community better than just about anyone. We value and trust our relationships with these storytellers.

Our goal for PAN is to encourage a family to visit our campus and tour our beautiful facilities - whether that be our downtown, historic Bethlehem campus or our sprawling 120-acre Upper School campus. In order to assist our members, we provide literature with key items such as top reasons to choose Moravian Academy, statistics and studies supporting an independent school education, and guidelines for answering some of the more difficult questions posed to the admissions team.

We invite you to consider joining our PAN community. If you are interested, please reach out to Ingrid Gerber, Senior Director of Admissions, at admissions@mamail.net.

Class Notes

2017-2018

MORAVIAN ACADEMY’S PARENT AMBASSADOR NETWORK

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Bozik Robin Flemming Jessica McPherson Susan Parent Charlie Lynn Trapasso Kathrine Yeaw ‘18 Jarred Weaver Robert J. Zaiser Jeffrey M. Zemsky DESIGN Imagevolution PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Amico Tracy Bozik Marco Calderon Lisa Molina-Cheung Becky Miller Amey Owen Stephanie Palmeri Carla Snook Lindsay Woodruff Robert J. Zaiser PRINTING Christmas City Printing Co., Inc.

The Moravian Academy Journal is published

by Moravian Academy, a non-profit educational institution, 7 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 (610) 868-4744.

Moravian Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid awards, and athletic or other school administered programs. Applicants who are disabled (or applicants’ family members who are disabled) requiring any type of accommodation during the application process, or at any other time, are encouraged to identify themselves and indicate what type of accommodation is needed.

© 2018 by Moravian Academy.

Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Postmaster: send changes of address to Moravian Academy Journal, 7 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. www.moravianacademy.org

DEAR MORAVIAN ACADEMY COMMUNITY, Great teachers are at the heart of every Moravian Academy education. To the students they inspire, teachers will remain forever in their memories, standing in their classrooms and lighting those around them.

Time is alone, however, in refusing to stop and today the bittersweet wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1 still rings true: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

In this spring issue, on pages 6-9, we provide a tribute to the extraordinary teachers, as well as incredible staff members, who this year are concluding their days at Moravian Academy and beginning their well-deserved entries into retirement. We have been witnesses to the careers they chose to spend inspiring others to be better and stronger.

As they begin new chapters, I wish to launch them into their next journeys filled with the knowledge that they helped young people grow, learn and become their better selves. To this end, we are gathering stories and expressions of gratitude into special books for each of these retiring faculty members. If you would like to contribute your own reflections, I encourage you to send them to gratitude@moravianacademy.org or mail them to Tracy Bozik at 11 West Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. We have also created a Gratitude Fund for Faculty Development and I invite you to dedicate a gift in honor of a retiring faculty member (view page 9 for more details).

As they do year-round, our students this spring continued to amaze me. The Upper School’s sold-out performances of “Into the Woods” in March (see page 5) blew audiences away, while the happenings at the International Festival for All Families in April (see page 15) brilliantly showcased the many countries around the world that our student body represents. Their noteworthy accomplishments (highlighted on pages 2-3) and endless acts of giving (featured on page 14) affirm for me that young people truly do realize their potential in an atmosphere of love and understanding.

On behalf of everyone at Moravian Academy, I wish you all a wonderful end to the academic school year and an enjoyable summer!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey M. Zemsky Headmaster JOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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Shining Bright

Academic and Music Accolades

Congratulations to the following sixth graders who were selected to have their literary works published as part of the Creative Communication writing contest: Grace Baittinger, Chessie Bartolacci, Anya Chadha, Ryan Cheng, Aman Desai, Victoria Fegley, Kanchan Gupta, Krish Gupta, Quinn Lauden, Navya Manne, Pranavi Marella, Bianca Matos, Sienna Powell, Hannah Puc, Gina Sexton, Valia Tsirukis, Divya Verma, and Joshua Walker. Creative Communication, a national organization, publishes books of poetry and essays that are written by students in grades K-9.

Flutist Nicole Masucci ’18 qualified and participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region 5 Band Festival in February.

Kaylee Davis ’18, Logan Kelley ’18, Katie Keller ’18, Jon Riker ’18, and Chae Park ’18 participated in the PMEA District 10 Chorus Festival in January.

Violinists Justine Dell ’18 and Krysta Nichols ’21 participated in the PMEA District 10 Orchestra Festival in February.

Your middle school Moravian Academy Geography Bee winner is Gianna Guarasi ’24! On April 6, she traveled to Harrisburg to compete in the National Geographic Pennsylvania State Geography Bee against over one hundred students. Gianna did very well in the preliminary round, earning a score of seven out of a possible score of eight.

Although she did not advance to the national championship, which is held in Washington, D.C. every year in May, we couldn’t be prouder!

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MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Violinists Yan Yu ’23 and Krysta Nichols ’21 won their divisions at the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania’s Young Classical Artists’ Competition. Both were invited to perform at the University on May 5, as well as a recording session on May 6 at WVIA Public Media Studios.

The DECA Team competed in the State Career Development Conference in February. Ryan Hoffman ’19, Garrick Lombardi ’19, Robbie Shaff ’19, and Dante Trapasso ’18 finished second in the Quiz Bowl. Naveen Ailawadi ’19 finished third in the Professional Selling category. Isha Mohapatra ’19 is now the new Pennsylvania District 7 Representative.

At the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 3 Competition in February, 10 Upper School and 23 Middle School students presented their work.

Our Middle School participants earned 21 first place awards, one second place award and one student even earned a perfect score. Upper School students Elizabeth Stifel ’19 and Rhea Malhotra ’20 received first place awards, and Karilyn Kruklitis ’20 and Isha Kaza ’20 received second place awards.

The Debate Team participated in the Allentown Diocese Forensics League (ADFL) National Qualifier. Neha Skandan ’21 placed third in the Lincoln Douglas category. Julius Ewungkem ’20 and Avi Singh ’20 placed third and Athina Jaffer ’19 and Naveen Ailawadi ’19 placed fourth in the Public Forum category. Neha, Julius, and Avi will compete in the National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Grand National Tournament in Washington, DC over Memorial Day weekend.

Miranda Reiko Gibson ’20 was honored with “The Strength for Leah” Community Award for her painting entitled “Natural Beauty” at the 8th Annual Hope and Healing Juried Art Show at The Baum School in Allentown.

Sophia Trembler ’23 was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City with the Junior Honors Choir in June.

Middle and Upper School students showcased their involvement in sophisticated research projects that focus on STEM at the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF) in April. Several students received awards and scholarships for their accomplishments.

Winners included Neha Skandan ’21, who placed first in mathematics; Isha Mohapatra ’19, who placed second in engineering; Neil Deshmukh ’20, who placed first in computer science; Rhea Malhotra ’20, who placed first in biochemistry and earned a spot to participate at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair competition in May; Michael Alchaer ’23, who earned honorable mention for his research in mathematics; and Okezue Bell ’23, who earned honorable mention for his research in computer science.

Neil Deshmukh ’20 was inducted into the Da Vinci Science Center’s Science Hall of Fame on April 28.

The Science Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional high school students who have demonstrated a passion for the sciences both in-and-out of the classroom. Each inductee receives a $2,000 scholarship.

B

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I 1. Gianna Guarasi ‘24 2. Yan Yu ’23 3. Krysta Nichols ’21 4. The DECA Team 5. At the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 3 Competition 6. The Debate Team 7. Miranda Reiko Gibson ‘20 8. Sophia Trembler ‘23 9. Rhea Malhotra ‘20 at the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF) in April 10. Neil Deshmukh ‘20 JOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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CREATIVITY ABOUNDS At the Middle and Upper School

T

he Middle School put on two outstanding, 24-act performances for the annual talent show under the direction of Middle School Music Director Mrs. Patrice Kidd. The acts included an impressive collection of classical, folk and pop musical performances, global and modern dances, and impressive ensemble numbers. The student emcees provided between-act entertainment and the tech crew expertly managed lighting and sound, mics and props.

U

pper School students and faculty shared their outstanding musical talents at the 15th Annual Red and Gold Recital. With musical selections from FaurĂŠ, Handel, Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Shostakovich and more, the repertoire was at its finest.

Many of the afternoon’s performances featured the 1901 Steinway grand piano that was refurbished through the MA Auction Fund-a-Need program. (see page 21)

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MORAVIAN ACADEMY

INTO THE WOODS Musical Performance

B

ringing the musical adaptation of “Into the Woods” to life was a vision that Upper School Director of Theater Mr. Jarrod Yuskauskas had for years. With the extraordinary Upper School talent, Mr. Yuskauskas knew that this was the year to share this unique contemporary musical on the Dyer Auditorium stage.

With the important theme of storytelling ever-present as part the Moravian Academy Upper School experience, our students were more than ready to tell this twisted tale with song, dance, and exquisite acting.

The cast and crew of approximately fifty students gave their all and the results were breathtaking--leaving sold-out audiences speechless night after night. With standout performances by Anna Hauser ’19 (Cinderella), Jonathan Riker ’18 (The Baker), Charlotte Bloys ’18 (The Baker’s Wife), Logan Kelley ’18 (The Witch), Ben Kraft ’20 (Jack), and the entire cast, it’s no wonder that “Into the Woods” received such rave reviews.

JOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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Thank You to our �

RETIRING FACULTY AND STAFF!

Mr. Tom Bayliss

Mrs. Vicki Beer

First Year at Moravian Academy 1990

First Year at Moravian Academy 1996

Director of Plant Operations

We have been fortunate to have Tom Bayliss at the helm of our Plant Operations department for close to three decades. During this time, he has been a careful and wise steward of our historic campuses. After having so many years of reliable care for Moravian Academy and our buildings, it might be easy to forget how much work, attention, and love our facilities require, especially since Tom is not one for basking in the limelight.

We need only look around on campus to see how much we rely on Tom and the maintenance department. We congratulate him on the days ahead spent with his loving family.

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Homeroom Teacher

This June, Vicki Beer will conclude her 34 years in education, the last 22 of which she spent teaching our Lower School students at Moravian Academy. On behalf of our students, we thank Vicki for helping them both learn to read and read to learn. With equal parts humor and compassion, Vicki’s spark with students in the classroom is known to all. She has a deep base of expertise in the first grade classroom, but she also extended her reach to educate students from primer to grade four. Knowing she loves to see students connect with a good book, we look forward to more opportunities for her to do the same as she roots on the 76ers and enjoys the days ahead with her dear family and friends.

Mrs. Debbie Bross

Physical Education, Health & Wellness Teacher, Field Hockey Coach

First Year at Moravian Academy 1981

Debbie Bross arrived at Moravian Academy in 1981 to teach physical education and since then she has embodied for students the very notion of education in mind, body, and spirit. Over her years in the classroom and as coach of the varsity field hockey team, Debbie has taught students in all three divisions. For decades, Moravian Academy students have demonstrated a determination and inner sense of purpose that reflect their teacher, Mrs. Bross. Moravian Academy field hockey teams won over 500 games with Coach Bross and brought home two state championships, first in 1984 and again in 2016. Ask Debbie about what she’s most proud of, though, and you are bound to hear about the people her students have grown into and what contributions they make to their communities. We know Debbie will enjoy her wonderful days ahead cheering on others and spending time with Tom and their growing family.

Mrs. Pam Compter

Mrs. Patrice Kidd

Mrs. Peggy Lukaszczyk

First Year at Moravian Academy 1998

First Year at Moravian Academy 1981

First Year at Moravian Academy 2011

Homeroom Teacher

Pam Compter is concluding her 20th year teaching Moravian Academy Lower School students. With an additional 10 years of experience before coming to Moravian in 1998, Pam has done everything save stand on her head to help students learn (and she’s probably done that, too). As a lesson planner, Pam is known for always searching for new inspirations. In the past two years alone, she has turned her classroom into a ship to help students understand the naval explorer they were corresponding with and instituted a new circle program to help students focus better. Her students learn with confidence, knowing their teacher cares and has high expectations for them. Pam will always be an educator and is looking forward to supporting and enjoying her family and friends as she starts her next chapter.

Music Director

After 37 years of helping our children find inspiration in music, Patrice Kidd will conclude her time as musical director with Moravian Academy at the end of this year.

The music program expertly reflects Patrice’s extensive knowledge of music, her deep respect for students and their abilities, and her infinite appreciation and enthusiasm for life. Above all, Patrice has inspired countless members of our community, including adults, to explore and express themselves in the language of music. We congratulate Patrice on the journeys ahead with family and friends, knowing she will continue her calling to unite people and music together in her ongoing position as Choir Director at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Nazareth.

School Nurse

As part of our dynamic double team of school nurses in the Lower and Middle Schools, Peggy Lukaszczyk, better known as “Mrs. Luke,” has nurtured and tended to students for the past seven years. Prior to arriving at Moravian, she worked in Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, providing services in surgical care, intensive care, oncology, and shock and trauma care units. Thus, in addition to bringing her outstanding professional expertise, Moravian students find her to be an empathetic listener who knows when to bandage a wound and when to offer a peptalk. Mother of two children of her own, we know Peggy is looking forward to spending more time with her growing family, both in the Lehigh Valley and at her beach house.

JOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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Thank You to our �

RETIRING FACULTY AND STAFF!

Dr. John O’Donnell Spanish Teacher

First Year at Moravian Academy 1978

Mrs. Kathleen Rohmann Social Studies Teacher Reading Specialist

First Year at Moravian Academy 1975 Students have long sought out John O’Donnell’s Spanish classes, and they will be sad to hear he begins retirement at the end of this year. With 18 years over two different periods of time at Moravian Academy, John has taught Spanish, literature and how to find inspiration and insight in life. When asked about relating what they learn in class to life, Upper School students are quick to describe the conversations they have in Spanish with Dr. O’Donnell, who challenges them to be critical and sophisticated thinkers. Colleagues can describe John’s wit, as well as his linguistic expertise. With several generations of family members living in many time zones and across multiple continents, we can look forward to the postcards arriving from John in the future.

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MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Since 1975, Kathleen (Kathy) Rohmann has worked diligently to help Moravian Academy students organize their minds as well as their skills and content knowledge.

Over these years, Kathy has taught students across grades 1-8 and subject areas including reading, math, community service, and for many years, social studies in the Middle School. With Mrs. Rohmann as their seventh-grade social studies teacher, students learned about our collective history and especially how today’s culture is influenced

by Moravians of the past. For many of her years here, Kathy has also been the Middle School’s resident reading specialist and coordinator of student support services. In this role, she has worked countless hours with students helping them grow the resiliency and study habits they take with them into the Upper School and beyond. Those who know Kathy understand that “retirement” applies in name only, for she will surely continue to spend her time and energy serving those in need in her community.

Mrs. Dale Scorza School Nurse

First Year at Moravian Academy 2014

We have been fortunate to have Dale Scorza as the second half of the nurse team with Mrs. Luke, and we wish Dale well as she has already started her retirement. Mrs. Scorza, RN, MSN and MPH, has worked in numerous hospitals and schools from New York to Colorado and several other states in between. We are grateful for the three years she has been on our staff, shedding light on good nutrition, mindfulness, and emotional support for our students and faculty alike.

Dale and her husband look forward to welcoming a second grandchild into their lives very soon and to finding more time for ballroom dancing.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Ms. Diane Taylor Homeroom Teacher

First Year at Moravian Academy 1984

For 34 years, Moravian Academy students have walked into Ms. Taylor’s classroom and walked out at the end of the year feeling taller. Ms. Taylor’s masterful ability to inspire, nurture, teach, laugh and build community were second nature for her. John Steinbeck once said he had “come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist,” further saying, “teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.” Diane daily encouraged our students with the deft strokes of an artist’s brush, to realize their most brilliant and decent selves. Our entire community will dearly miss and forever remember Ms. Taylor’s gifts, but fortunately, her goodness will continue to blossom in former students, colleagues and families. As she stated in a letter to announce her retirement, “The kids will weigh the heaviest on my heart. I will miss their curiosity, their silliness, their unbridled love, and their ability to make me laugh.” We will miss the same in her, yet we wish her well, always!

Gratitude Fund for Faculty Development

If you would like to honor one of the extraordinary educators who this year are concluding their days in the classroom and beginning their well-deserved entries into retirement, donations can be made in their name to the Annual Fund or the Legacy Fund for Alumni Children Financial Aid. To learn more, visit www.moravianacademy.org/gratitude.

Wish our Retirees Well!

We are also gathering stories and expressions of gratitude into special books for each of the retiring faculty members.

Do you have a favorite passage, work of art or intellectual expression to add?

If so, please send them to gratitude@ moravianacademy.org or mail them to Tracy Bozik at 11 West Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

JOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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FIELD COURT LION’S PRIDE

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MORAVIAN ACADEMY

WINTER SPORTS AWARDS UPPER SCHOOL BOYS’ BASKETBALL CAPTAIN’S AWARD Jack Dubreuil ’18 Jacob Meissner ’18 Qofi Quainoo ’18 Dante Trapasso ’18 MVP – Jordan Holmqvist ’19 MIP – Peter Chiaradia ’19 COACH’S AWARD Abraham Atiyeh ’20 Navin Ferrari ’20 JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACH’S AWARD Niket Surya ’21

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CAPTAIN’S AWARD Maya Ettle ’20 Caroline Joseph ’18 Victoria Spugnardi ’18 MVP – Maya Ettle ’20 MIP – Jordyn Holjes ’21 COACH’S AWARD Elizabeth Stifel ’19

SWIMMING CAPTAIN’S AWARD Katherine Davis ’18 James Foran ’19 Cassie Nataro ’18 Noah Young ’18 MVP – Katherine Davis ’18 James Foran ’19 Armaan Pandher ’21 MIP – Adam Boak ’20 Isabella Khan ’18 Tyler Schellenberg ’18 Elijah Stevens ’19 COACH’S AWARD Kyle Jones* Bill Lam* Kaylynn Weikel*

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL QUANTUM LEAP Chloe Oudin ’22 COACH’S AWARD Hailey Falzone ’22 LION’S PRIDE Marina Falzone ’22 BOYS’ BASKETBALL QUANTUM LEAP Ryan Grossenbacher ’22 Treyton Messman ’22 COACH’S AWARD Andrew Burke ’22 Vince Menichelli ’22 LION’S PRIDE Nicholas Holmes ’22

*Wilson Area High School Students

JOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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THROUGH THE

LOOKING GLASS AUCTION • APRIL 21

By Charlie Lynn Trapasso, 2018 Chairperson “How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice to the Cat. “You must be, or you wouldn’t have come here.”

On April 21st, a crowd of “mad” individuals flocked to the Athletic & Wellness Center at Moravian Academy and stepped Through the Looking Glass, where nothing was quite what it seemed.

I am extremely honored to have been this year’s Auction chair.

Working alongside such talented and dedicated parents has been an absolute pleasure.

Co-chair Amy Bucher’s creative and visionary assistance with marketing, and the spectacular introductory video, displayed on a 50-foot screen, unveiled our very own Lewis Carroll-inspired book of sites and students at Moravian Academy.

The decor for the evening was a true testament to the theme of the Auction. Co-chairs Tania Marsh and Christine Mira’s eyes for detail surpassed all expectation. When the gymnasium doors opened, I witnessed many of our guests gasp in astonishment as they traveled “down the rabbit hole” to a magical space featuring eclectic vignettes reflective of a storybook adventure. Evident around every corner was imagination, creativity, elegance and fun. The rustic beer and wine garden and its subtle references to Alice kept the crowds conversing and engaging in the atmosphere of the evening. Hanging chairs, life size playing cards, festive table settings and beautiful silk leaves created by the Upper School students advanced the surreal storybook setting.

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And who could forget to mention our beloved maintenance director, Tom Bayliss and Interim Director of Physical Plant Operations David Connors? Both Tom and Dave, along with their team, brought to life Tania and Christine’s designs and surpassed any of our expectations.

Moravian parent chef Michael Brack’s impressive and delectable Queen of Hearts buffet created a feast that even Alice would have enjoyed! And senior Alex Ahmad’s impactful video supported FundA-Need’s request for Digital Storytelling.

A new twist to the Sweepstakes prize created much buzz as the winners excitedly received a certificate to a customized men’s suit by Peg Albert or women’s five-piece travel ensemble by Karen Hickey.

Ray Starner, auctioneer extraordinaire, kept the bidding going with his wit and energy! A variety of interesting and unique items to bid on stirred intense bidding.

So many behind-the-scenes volunteers, who committed hours of time and without recognition and helped make this year’s Auction a success. My co-chairs and the Auction executive committee are especially grateful for the continuing and passionate support of the Office of Institutional Advancement, administration, board of trustees, sponsors, advertisers, auction item donors, and Moravian families and friends.

If Alice had a word to describe the “mad” folks who created and participated in this wonderful event, she would call them “bonkers,” to which the Mad Hatter would reply, “…all the best people are.”

“

HOW DO YOU KNOW I’M MAD

“

– Alice

?

…all the best people are.

– Mad Hatter

JOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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MA

in the

COMMUNITY

EARLY CHILDHOOD PAJAMA PROJECT Books and pajamas make perfect gifts for children in need. That’s why primer, PreK, and kindergarten teachers led a local drive last December to benefit Esperanza of Bethlehem. Esperanza is currently experiencing a great number of Puerto Rican families relocating to the Lehigh Valley since the hurricane season. Our early childhood teachers donated a book for every pair of new children’s pajamas brought in by the students to welcome and warm the hearts of our region’s newest neighbors.

177 BOXES DONATED A NEW RECORD! Each holiday season, our Middle School participates in the Holiday Hope Chest program, a national initiative in which shoeboxes are filled with age-appropriate stocking stuffers. These boxes are given to homeless and disadvantaged middle school aged youth in the Lehigh Valley.

This year, we filled 177 shoeboxes—a record-breaking number! Since 2000, Moravian Academy Middle School has donated over 1,500 boxes. Thank you for your donations to this worthwhile service program!

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MORAVIAN BIKEWORKS New for this school year, sophomore Eric Trinkle ‘20 founded a bicycle repair activity called Moravian Bikeworks.

Operating out of a workshop in Couch Arts Center on the Merle-Smith campus, the students welcome donations of adult and children’s bikes in any condition, overhaul and rehabilitate them and then donate them back to the community in excellent, usable condition. The program also teaches interested students about bicycle repair from routine maintenance all the way to more complex repairs.

The student-mechanics of Moravian Bikeworks are a talented and enthusiastic group. In addition to their volunteer work, the students offer bicycle tuning and repair services to the Moravian Academy community. All service fees go towards purchasing parts for bikes that will be donated back to the community.

RED CROSS CLUB COAT AND FOOD DRIVE The Upper School Red Cross Club coordinated a successful coat and food drive this year with donations directed to the Lehigh Valley Summerbridge program. There was an overwhelming response to this service project with hundreds of items collected. Thanks to the hard work of our students and the generosity of our families, Moravian Academy was able to share the warmth of this community with others in the Lehigh Valley.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART Throughout American Heart Month in February, the Lower School Physical Education teachers Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Hinkle taught students about living a heart healthy and active lifestyle through physical activity and jumping rope. Students were invited to make donations to benefit cardiovascular research and heart-healthy education nationwide. Many of our students earned money to donate by doing chores or good deeds at home.

Through their efforts all month long, students raised over $650 to benefit the American Heart Association!

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL for all families

W

ith a theme of “Bridging Cultures,” April’s International Festival for All Families beautifully captured the diversity that Moravian Academy and the world has to offer.

Lining the Walter Hall lounges were trifold poster, dioramas, Powerpoints and iPad presentations—known as “Nation Stations”—created by our very own Lower School students. The students shared with attendees interesting facts and information about countries all around the world, from Jamaica to Indonesia and everywhere in between.

In the gymnasium, African drumming and singing drew a large crowd, as did the interactive dance lessons. Thanks to featured guests, parents, staff, faculty and students had the opportunity to learn and partake in traditional Hawaiian, Indian and Japanese dances. Hiphop dancer CJ Fuentes’ breakdancing performance also wowed families, especially the children. While some danced the night away, others gathered in nearby classrooms to hear folk stories told by students and to watch

a screening of “The Danger of a Single Story,” a TED Talk given by novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

A “Parade of Nations,” spearheaded

by Sra. Yuli Vanegas, preceded the close of the program. Children smiled and strolled through the hall, exposing beautiful clothing and flags representing many countries around the world.

While some wore dresses representing their families’ origins, others wore articles of clothing embracing a country that they had just visited or learned about through their research.

ing success and reminded our community how interesting life can be when people come together to celebrate their differences.

The night concluded with families breaking bread together. Student, parent and faculty volunteers served attendees a delicious spread of global food. Throughout dinner, families were invited to write messages of unity and inclusion on colorful paper hands. The creations were then placed on the wall of the Melhado Dining Room in the shape of a bridge, resulting in a powerful display.

The event, sponsored by the Parents’ Association and co-chaired by Kelli Greene and Jullie Kim, was a resoundJOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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S UMME R ACADEM Y at the

2 0 18

JOIN US FOR A SUMMER FILLED WITH LEARNING, EXPLORING, AND PLAYING!

By Marcia Stoudt Moravian Academy’s Merle-Smith campus will be buzzing this summer with a variety of camps!

Campers attending Green Pond Day Camp (for students entering PreK-Grade 6) will participate in a plethora of activities that revolve around central themes. Themes for summer of 2018 include Out of the Box, Hollywood, Party in the U.S.A., Mystery Week, and Wonders of the World.

New enrichment camps for this year are: Animation Camp, centered around animation styles using hands-on and computer-based art mediums; Ceramics Camp, for those who want to work with clay; Write Music (The Right Way), a camp for those interested in creating music; Reader’s Workshop, a camp for building interest and confidence in reading; and Crazy Concoctions and Marvelous Materials, for those campers who want to be future scientists. Other enrichment camps include: • • • •

STK! (Shark Tank for Kids) Make it! Print it!

Junior Environmentalists Building Math Skills Through Games • A Week on the Farm

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• • • •

Writer’s Workshop Remember When?

Winter in July?!

Graphical Paper Crafts and more!

Returning favorites include: • Art Camp • Puppet Party • Inspired by Nature • A Week in Japan • Around the World in a Week • The Magic of Writing • Game On

• • • •

K’NEX STEM Challenge Simply Complex Machines Beyond the Outer Limits Scratch Programming Adventure • Cartography Lab • Summer Jazz at the Academy

In addition to Spanish immersion courses for grades K-6, we are also offering a Spanish refresher course for students entering grades 7 and 8. For those interested in building their athletic skills, we are excited to offer sports camps in field hockey, basketball, soccer and tennis.

Register at www.moravianacademy.org/summer.

LEH IG H VALLE Y

SUMMERBRIDGE

FROM THE DIRECTOR

By Jarred Weaver

June 18th marks the beginning of our 26th summer at Lehigh Valley Summerbridge. We are excited to welcome many new teachers and new ideas to our classrooms this year. Lehigh Valley Summerbridge brings a wonderful opportunity for college students enrolled in education programs to teach in their own classrooms for six weeks each summer. They will use what they’ve learned thus far, to create their own curriculum, build their own lessons, and manage their own classroom. Who are they teaching? Students from Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton middle schools enroll in the Summerbridge program each summer to build on their math, language, and science skills. They will also learn life skills, such as cooking, budgeting, and how to begin their quest to enroll in college one day.

ABOUT LEHIGH VALLEY SUMMERBRIDGE Lehigh Valley Summerbridge is a nonprofit enrichment education program for highly motivated, low-income middle school students in the Lehigh Valley. All of our teachers are college students enrolled in education programs.

We have proudly served our community for the past 25 years and look forward to doing so for years to come.

DID YOU KNOW?

THE VALUE OF BEING A SUMMERBRIDGE TEACHER

The first Lehigh Valley Summerbridge program had 40 students enrolled.

Today we enroll one hundred students each year!

By Antonia Spadafora, Moravian College Applying to become a Summerbridge teacher was probably the best decision that I’ve made in my pursuit to become a professional educator! At Summerbridge, I taught writing my first summer in 2016, math throughout the summer of 2017, and I am now looking forward to teaching science the summer of 2018. Words cannot express how valuable my experience has been. I’ve gained experience in lesson planning, I’ve taught differentiated lessons to large and small groups, and I’ve gained experience in managing the day-to-day logistics of managing a classroom and creating a positive learning community. I have greatly enjoyed collaborating with other aspiring teachers, working on teams, co-planning lessons, and setting up special events.

I’ve received invaluable advice from my Summerbridge faculty colleagues regarding the application and interview process and I’ve

enjoyed hearing about what they’ve learned as new professional teachers. I’m thankful to have received constructive criticism and feedback from a variety of mentor teachers and professionals.

While all of the aforementioned things are extremely important, I can’t stress enough the pure value of meeting the students and building relationships with them. When you are working and interacting with a group of twenty middle schoolers, you are really able to focus your efforts on getting to know them individually – as people, not just as “students” – and letting them know that you care about them and believe in their academic potential. My experience through Summerbridge reinforced the notion that building supportive relationships – with your colleagues as well as with your students – is an essential component of being a successful educator.

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STUDENT LEBENSALUF:

SAME DIFFERENCE?

The following is a piece, authored by Kathrine Yeaw ’18, about her recent trip to Africa.

A

fter a sixteen-hour flight and a bumpy drive to Livingstone, we finally stepped out of the van and took a small boat to the Islands of Siankaba Lodge, where we were greeted with about twenty waving arms.

Seeing this community of workers, I forgot all about the tiring journey.

Shakey hanging bridges led to our cabins, which were actually more like wooden tree houses on 15-foot pillars that overlooked the crocodile-infested Zambezi River. The end of our beds opened up to a balcony that made me feel as though I was part of the trees.

This balcony is where my story takes place.

Before going to bed one night, I walked across the bridge to my parents’ treehouse. My dad and I were used to finding shooting stars in the sky every summer, but that was across the world in busy Massachusetts. Now, we were

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in Zambia with clear skies and so much more to see.

I looked up and stared in amazement.

The sky looked liked crushed diamonds scattered everywhere. I saw constellations I had never noticed before, with clumps resembling the Milky Way, in purples and blues and reds. This sky that I had seen so many times before was completely different: it was so much more beautiful. I was in awe and stared up at the sky until my neck ached in pain and I forgot about the frigid cold.

Inside the cozy tree house, we yelled for my less-interested mother to come see, and even she was stunned. My brother, Wescott, also came out and was just as shocked. We all stood there simply gazing. This moment for me was one of amazement and realization. How could something that I had seen every day suddenly change in an instant, into something better?

Just as with the sky, when someone is

put into a different setting, they seem to change-- in the same way in which we all became unafraid when we were three feet away from five relaxing lions or were staring in the eyes of an elephant. Going to Africa with my family members gave me a new perspective on each of them. This experience taught me to be more comfortable with new things, as change isn’t always bad and can be uplifting.

That night, I did not lose the sky. It just changed, and I was okay with it. Now, whenever I watch the stars in Massachusetts, I remember the sky in Africa.

The Alumni Circle

TA K E S C E N T E R S TA G E In the latest edition of the Moravian Academy Journal, information was shared about the 275th Initiative, which will help provide upgrades to the exterior and interior first floor of Snyder House. The most visible part of the initiative, the “Alumni Circle,” which has already garnered the support of more than 130 alumni and friends, is a special location in the front of Snyder House on the Merle-Smith Campus. Each graduate of Moravian Academy, Moravian Seminary for Girls, and Moravian Preparatory School since 1931 will have his or her name inscribed on bricks within the “Alumni Circle.”

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

NEWS

To make a gift, visit www.moravianacademy.org/giving.

At the reunion last October, all of the members of the class years ending in “7” had his or her name inscribed within the “Alumni Circle.” This process will continue over the next nine years until each alumnus/alumna is added. All alumni names will be displayed for future generations of Moravian graduates to see. The “Alumni Circle” is a lasting tribute to all of the individual graduates who made the School (Moravian Academy, Moravian Seminary for Girls, and Moravian Preparatory School) what it has been, what it is today, and what it will become in the future.

This beautiful and lasting tribute to our graduates now needs your support. More than $106,000 has been raised towards an overarching goal of $275,000 for the “Alumni Circle” and upgrades to Snyder House.

To make a gift to the 275th Initiative and the “Alumni Circle,” go online to www. moravianacademy.org/giving. For more information, contact Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement, at bzaiser@mamail.net or (610) 332-5291.

Annual Day of Giving

By Robin Flemming A mere potential nor’easter was not enough to stop Moravian Academy’s second annual Day of Giving on March 8th. The campaign, 1742minutes.com, surpassed the success of the school’s first Day of Giving in 2017, raising $48,068 over last year’s $40,958.

Erica D’Agostino, ’91, parent and trustee, inspired giving with her challenge to give $2,000 upon reaching 240 donors. Parents, alumni, faculty and staff, grandparents, and parents of alumni enthusiastically stepped up to meet that challenge and support the Day of Giving. Throughout the day, volunteers and the Moravian Lion were active on campus, sharing information with parents and making calls on behalf of the Day of Giving. The campaign was further promoted on Moravian Academy’s social media pages, featuring donors hourly throughout the 1,742 minutes campaign.

The Day of Giving video, which appeared on the main page of the campaign, was created by student Kalli Miller ’19. Of the 327 donors who give to this year’s campaign, 49% were parents, 30% were alumni, 17% were faculty and staff, 8% were students, 5% were parents of alumni, and 2% were grandparents.

All gifts to the 1,742 minutes campaign are part of the Annual Fund and immediately go toward the school’s operating budget. These gifts also count toward the $480,000 goal for this fiscal year’s Annual Fund. These gifts support faculty development, maintenance of historic and new facilities, enhanced technology, and financial aid. Parents Susan Blobe and Lou Cinquino are co-chairs of this year’s Annual Fund. The Day of Giving was first conceived last year under the leadership of Mr. Cinquino and former Annual Fund Co-chair Michelle Schmidt.

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lifetime and yet not nearly long enough. He was respected and admired by absolutely everyone; students and faculty alike. To me, as I’m sure to many of you, he is the personification of the time and place.”

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

NEWS

In an email, Michael Weinman ’80 shared: “Ben was just comfortable in his skin and saw no need to be anything other than who he was. And part of that comfort came from being at Moravian Academy. The memorial benches placement near the woodworking studio is quite apt as Ben had later embarked on a career in woodworking. I can imagine students at Moravian today sitting on the benches sharing confidences, telling stories and making lifelong friendships. That would have made him happy.”

WE RECOGNIZE AND THANK THE DONORS TO THIS PROJECT:

REMEMBERING B en Brans c om ’7 7 Reunion Weekend is usually a time of celebration and camaraderie. But this fall, for members of the Class of 1977, it was also a time of reflection and remembrance of a classmate gone too soon.

Ben Vincent Branscom ’77, of Auburn, Maine, passed away on February 10, 2015.

When classmates learned of the news, they mobilized to create a special fundraising project to honor his memory. They envisioned the creation of a special seating area on the Merle-Smith campus where students, faculty, and alumni could relax and reflect.

The project came to fruition prior to the Class of 1977’s 40th Reunion. Three bluestone benches were installed on the lawn along the drop-off/pick-up lane as a memorial to Branscom. The placement, near the Van S. Merle-Smith Woodworking Studio, pays homage to Branscom’s passion for woodworking. Classmate Peggy Peters Cook ’77 stated, “It’s something Ben – actually all of us – would have enjoyed as students.”

“One of the best parts of my ‘lifer’ Moravian experience was enjoying the Green Pond campus and all it offers. That includes the times before and after school or taking a break with friends,” said Cook. “BENCH is an extensor of BEN - where students now snap and text, or simply hang out togeth-

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er, just like we did in the 1970s! The Ben Branscom Benches allow students to take a breath during their busy and sometimes stressful days and connect with their friends.

And that time, those shared memories, those friendships are for life.”

The benches were dedicated in a ceremony on Saturday, October 14th. Many classmates shared a tribute about Ben, both at the ceremony and on social media.

“Ben was a very caring and kind person who always wore a smile! He had a zest for talking and complimenting others,” recalled Michele Long Graffis ’77. “Ben was an ‘MA Lifer’ and enriched my life since kindergarten. The benches that were placed in Ben’s honor signify a place to take a break and catch up with a friend. The dedication of Ben’s benches brought many old friends together in honor of him and the friendships we share. We were truly blessed to have Ben in our lives!”

Ms. Carolyn E. Adamcik ’76 Mrs. Barbara Jones Belshaw ’77 Mrs. Peggy Peters Cook ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Donches Ms. Rochelle Feinberg GB Davy Associates Mrs. Michele Long Graffis ’77 Mr. Neil E. Johnson ’73 Ms. Carolyn B. Kennedy ’77 Mr. Karl T. Peters ’80 Mrs. Margery Peters Mr. Jack M. Raymond, Jr. ’78 Mr. William K. Rhodin ’76 Ms. Stacey J. Scholl ’78 Mrs. Karen Sartin Slevin ’78 Mrs. Cameron Adams Soroko ’77 Ms. Jessica D. Waldman ’78 Mr. Cameron D. Warner, Jr. ’76 Mr. Jonathan P. Warner ’78 Mr. Jay Weinman ’77 Mr. Michael A. Weinman ’80 Ms. Janet A. Young ’77

PHOTO top left: Back Row L to R: Barbara Jones Belshaw ’77, Janet Young ’77, Frank Schramm ’77, Michael Maass ’77 Jay Weinman ’77, Peggy Peters Cook ’77, Front Row L to R: Ron Hertz ’77, Michele Long Graffis ’77, Cameron Adams Soroko ’77

The Ben Branscom Benches

Jay Weinman ’77 shared on Facebook, “Ben was the first person I met as a new boarding student at Moravian. His friendship lasted a

ALUMNI NEWS

PIANO DEDICATION IN CHAPEL

W

e welcomed April with special philanthropy-themed chapels in each division.

On April 4, Marissa Zondag ’09 shared her thoughts with the Lower and Middle Schools. She closed with:

“ At Moravian one of the core principles of its mission statement is to ‘Help students develop self-respect, dignity, and a concern and respect for others.’ In the classroom, on the field, on the stage, this mantra of ‘philanthropy’ is a core part of the curriculum that was taught to me and is taught to you every day.

It’s a part of our Moravian DNA. The coat drive that happens every winter, visiting local senior homes and participating in various disaster relief drives, all of these are a part of our education and they are all acts of philanthropy.

And I can say from experience that our Moravian DNA stays with you long after you leave this campus…I hope that you too will carry this with you through the rest of your lives and know that even the smallest of good deeds you do for others that’s philanthropy.”

The following day, Barbara Ballard ’07 joined us at the Upper School. She shared:

“ Each of you is very blessed to be a part of this school. Moravian encourages you to think broadly, deeply, and actively. At the same time, it allows you to explore your passions, whether those be math, science, music, literature, studio art, theater - you name it. Moravian creates an environment that fosters curiosity and drive in its students. It also pushes you to be considerate, community-conscious and empathetic citizens.

This presents you the unique opportunity and responsibility to share what you have with others.

I would like to challenge each of you today to think about your ‘why.’ How is what you are doing to develop your skills,

interests, and talents, going to make the community or the world a better place? Find what drives you…Remember that philanthropy can take many forms, and it is each of our responsibilities to contribute any way we can.”

Following Ballard’s meditation, the rebuilt Steinway piano was dedicated in memory of Ruthanne H. Riker, mother of Rob Riker, Upper School Chair of the music department..

According to research done by Patrice Kidd, Middle School Music Director, the Steinway was manufactured in 1901, and the original invoice states that it was “sold and shipped to The Moravian School in Bethlehem Pennsylvania.”

Kidd shared, “We don’t really know in what places or buildings it resided in our school at that time, but by 1970, the piano was living in the CE Auditorium of the Lower School.”

By 2007, the piano was no longer able to be tuned and was in need of major restoration work. Ultimately, the project became the “Fund-A-Need” project at the Moravian Academy Auction in 2013.

Photo (top of page) – Participants in the piano dedication/Upper School Philanthropy Chapel included L to R: Alison Riker ’22, Laura Riker, Jonathan Riker ’18, Rob Riker, Tom Zeiner (lead builder on the piano project), former Headmaster Barnaby Roberts, Headmaster Jeff Zemsky, Patrice Kidd, Barbara Ballard ’07 Photo bottom left – Barbara Ballard ’07, speaker, Upper School Chapel Photo bottom right – Marissa Zondag ’09, speaker, Lower/Middle School Chapel

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�

Valentine’s Day MA SWEETHEARTS

Patrick Conroy ’98 and Hannah Paxton ’98 “Patrick started at MA in eighth grade and I started in 9th. We didn’t date in high school but were good friends. After graduating we lost touch for a while, but thanks to Dave Eyvazzadeh ’98, who brought Patrick with him as a surprise when visiting me in DC in 2004, we reconnected. We got married in 2009 and now we have two boys, Pax (7) and Aidric (5), who are in the Spanish Immersion Program at the Lower School.”

Pooja Sharma ’99, Marc Diamond ’98, Hannah Paxton ’98, Alex Weseloh ’98, Sam Barbour ’98, Dave Eyvazzadeh ’98, Patrick Conroy ’98 after a lacrosse game in 1998.

Zachary Cohen ’95 and Ginny Van Antwerpen Cohen ’95 “Zac and I met in 1993 during our sophomore year at the Upper School. We sat near one another in English class, and spent free periods together in the student lounge and the cafeteria. We were always good friends, and stayed in touch during college. We started dating our senior year of college while Zac was attending the University of Vermont and I was at Penn State.

We got engaged (on MA’s Upper School campus, of course!) in 2000 and married in June 2001.

Several MA alums were in attendance at our wedding. We currently live in Orefield, PA and have 2 children. Interesting fact: Zac’s brother, MA alum Sam Cohen ’98 married our friend and fellow MA alum Cindi Boderman ’95 in 2009!”

Judson Smull ’32P and Gertrude Miller Smull ’32P From Mary Smull Arguelles ’72: “My parents, Judson and Gert Smull, went together since the 4th grade. Both graduated from Moravian in 1932, and married in 1937. They had four children who attended Prep: Mary Smull Arguelles ’72, Tom Smull ‘65, Maggie Smull Hopper ’61, and Lou Smull Negley ’57.”

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David Hartmann ’62P and Michele Nadeau Hartmann ’72 “The first time we met, I was in eighth grade and David was teaching eighth grade. He was my dear friend Mary Smull Arguelles’ ’72 cousin, and just back from the Peace Corps in Ethiopia. And yes, I had a bit of a crush.

The next time we met, it was twenty-four years later, in God’s Acre, for the 250th anniversary of Moravian Academy. Arranged

by Mary and her older sister, Lou, I traveled from Manhattan and David drove up from Maryland so that we could attend the reunion together. I think it went something like, “It’s about time they met.” So we did. That was in May 1992. We were married in the Old Chapel in June 1993 and will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this year!”

Nick Kochard ’07 and Barbara Ballard ’07 “Nick and I were both “lifers” – attending Kindergarten through 12th grade. We were in the same homeroom all but 4th grade in the Lower School. Our first “official” date was Senior Prom, however we were good friends all the way through our time at Moravian. We stayed together while Nick was at Lehigh, and I was at the University of Pittsburgh. Nick proposed around Christmas 2017 and we plan on getting married the summer of 2019.”

Douglas Woolley ’87 and Elizabeth Newton Woolley ’86

I

“Doug and I met at Moravian in 1985 when I was a senior and he was a junior. He was new at school and we had the same math class, a subject I was never very good at!

Needless to say, he was better in this class than I was!

We really enjoyed our brief time together at Moravian, going to dances and watching each other in our respective sports - for Doug, basketball, for me field hockey.

It seems like such a long time ago, and I guess it really is, over 30 years! In that time we both attended college Lehigh University for Doug, Parsons School of Design for me. We have three boys, Andrew, Douglas, and William, and have Moravian to thank for bringing us together! We will always remember the wonderful times spent at this very special school.”

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Samuel Cohen ’98 and Cindi Boderman Cohen ’95 “In the summer of 2006, I was home for a bit while living in Chicago. Ginny and Zac Cohen, fellow classmates of 1995, invited me to dinner. After accepting the invite, Ginny called and “wanted to make sure it was cool with me that Zac had invited his little brother Sam ’98 over for dinner too.” Sam had just graduated from law school in Boston. The rest is history, despite one night of being trumped by Sam watching Entourage (which he still denies). One year later, we were living together in Philly, and in 2009, were married and relocated to the Lehigh Valley. We now live with our beloved 10 year old basset hound, Dazy. “

Bryan Hollingsworth ’99 and Lesley Ofrichter ’99 “Lesley and I went on our first date around October of 1996, watching the grossly inappropriate first date movie “Sleepers” (not “Sleeper) at the Ritz Theater off of Rte. 33. Although Lesley claims this was not a date at all, it was the beginning of a deep connection. We officially started dating on the first weekend in September 1998, having spent the interceding two years exchanging mix tapes and going out for slices of pizza and talking (a lot) on the phone. I think it was this friendship that was the immutable foundation for everything that was to follow from that point on. After graduating Moravian, Lesley spent a year in France, and then four years in college on the West Coast, but we both ended up in Boston after graduations and started building our lives together there.

We moved in to our first apartment together in 2006 in Cambridge, bumping around the metro area until buying our first house in Malden three years ago this month. We got married at Malden City Hall in August of 2015, and had a ceremony in my parents’ backyard the following month, co-officiated by our sisters Maddy Ofricher ’03 and Janet Hollingsworth ’02. A large dance party followed, as evidenced by the accompanying photo.”

Daniel Eyvazzadeh ’96 and Megan Butler Eyvazzadeh ’96 “Megan and I met in 7th grade French class, and it was NOT love at first sight (even though Megan’s mom predicted our wedding on Vespers night!). We were friends until Upper School AP Biology, where we actually had “chemistry.” In 1996, we were Senior Prom dates, and the “rest is history” as our four active MA students would say!”

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Mike Koughan ’89 and Laura Lynn Ward ‘92 “Mike and I met in Frau Matel’s second period French class, for which he was never prepared, in 1988. We clicked right away and always laughed at the same things. Mike graduated that Spring and we went our separate ways, but with so many lifelong Moravian friends in common, our paths crossed and we dated frequently, always keeping in touch over the years. We finally made it official in April of 2017.”

Alexander Pena ‘11 and Juliana Gale ‘09 “Alex and I met at Moravian his freshman year, my junior year in Outdoor Ed. ‘Pena’ (I did not call him Alex back then) was my best friend who loved outdoor ed as much as me and was also on my bus where lots of fun was always had. Once I left for college we kept in touch as best friends do and when I moved to Boston to start my sophomore year there, he started visiting. It was during this time we decided to give it a go, his Moravian senior year (I went to his prom and graduation). Everything worked out and in 2015 we both made the move to California.

Here, we are both eating way too much in Long Beach and loving every mouthful, much to our bellies chagrin. Alex is managing a large GameStop in Torrance while I’m a Production Coordinator at a local video production company. “

Jeff Frankenfield ‘65P and Nancy Fillman Frankenfield ‘64P “We did not technically meet at Moravian, but in a Junior League ballroom dancing class in 3rd grade. We met again when Jeff came to Prep in 1962 and sat across the room in Spanish class. I thought he was looking at my friend sitting next to me, but he swears to this day he was actually looking at me!

Fifty-six years later, we’re looking forward to our 50th wedding anniversary in June!”

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ALUMNI NEWS

COAST TO COAST

CALLING ALL ALUMNI

Moravian Academy will continue its coast to coast tour throughout the year.

Over the next few months, Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement, or another member of the Advancement Office will be visiting with alumni in geographic areas including Georgia (Atlanta, Savannah, and Hilton Head), South Carolina, New York City metropolitan area, Pittsburgh, Ohio, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. In the past several years, we have visited with alumni in New York, Washington, Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Tampa, Nashville, Dallas, Denver, Orlando and Charlotte.

These meetings traditionally are oneon-one, in small groups, or sometimes in larger gatherings depending on the locations. Please be on the lookout for email invitations. To help organize a gathering or schedule a personal meeting, contact Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement, at bzaiser@mamail.net or (610) 332-5291.

Thanks to Neil Johnson ’73 and Mary Ann Groner ’74 for organizing our recent California event at Saddle Ranch on the famous Sunset Strip.

Pictured here, L to R: Bob Allen, Mary Ann Groner ’74, Bob Zaiser, Tyler Thomas ’12, Neil Johnson ’73, Michael Walker ’97, Jules Gale ’09, Alex Kahan ’08, Jordan Will-Weber’10, Carlos Estrada ’08, Uday Gupta ’90, Nina Hart ’17. In front, Oliver Scott ’17.

Thanks to Eric Kuhn ’89 for hosting a gathering at his home in New York City.

Front “row,” L to R: Jeff Zemsky, Pete Tabbot ’86, guest of Adam Saunders, Liz Hartmann-Dow ’06, Jessica Kim ’06, Zoe Briggs ’12, Sarah Brown ’12, Damian Morel ’12, Laurie Wagner ’09, John Puleo ’09, Bryan Abbott ’09, Dimitri Roscioli ’10, Samantha Steele ’11, Jason Kuhn ’87, and Eric Kuhn ’89.

Back “row,” L to R: Tom Bross, Ali Bujnowski ’02, Adam Saunders ’96, Clay Reibman ’05, Tamar Juda ’01, Brendan Young ’05, Veronica Fischmann ’06, Andrew McNellis ’05, Ed Schwartz ’93, Ryan Papir ’93, Josh Krawitz ’08, Kevin Welch ’08, and Bryan Kim ’07.

Missing from photo: Gillian Kindel ’03​

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! There are many ways to reconnect with your alma mater!

If you have some time to give, volunteers are needed in the following areas:

A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION OF OUR 276TH BIRTHDAY! Alumni and friends from across the nation came together to Salute Moravian and Say Hello on May 3 and 4, 2018. Events were held on several college campuses, at many East Coast locations, and as far away as Australia! It certainly was a special time to celebrate Moravian Academy and each other. Visit our website and our Facebook page to view photos from the events!

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CLASS AGENTS Act as a liaison between Moravian Academy and your class, sharing information and soliciting feedback, receiving class notes and updating information, and stewarding class fundraising efforts for the Annual Fund and Benigna Cup Challenge.

REUNION CLASS CHAIRS Help plan and promote attendance at your milestone reunions. This year, our focus will be on the reunion years ending in “3” and “8.”

REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS Communicate with alumni in your region and help plan local events.

YOUNG ALUMNI NETWORK Provide input on events and activities for our recent graduates (10 years or less).

V Save the Date for the Moravian Academy

GOLF OUTING

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 We are heading back to Lehigh Country Club for another outstanding round of golf and we hope you plan to join us. Last year’s event had over 90 golfers, and we are aiming for more this year!

Would you like to get involved with planning the Golf Outing? If so, please contact Jess McPherson in the Office of Institutional Advancement at jmcpherson@mamail.net.

FOLLOW MA KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US Send us your class notes on the enclosed notecard and we will include your news in the next issue of the Moravian Academy Journal. Pictures are welcome and can be sent via email. Also, be sure to send us your current contact information so we can keep you up-to-date with alumni news and upcoming events!

For more information on any of the alumni opportunities listed here, contact Tracy Bozik, Director of Alumni Relations, at tbozik@moravianacademy.org or (610) 332-5282.

facebook.com/moravianacademy facebook.com/MATheatreAlum Join the “Moravian Academy Alumni Group” instagram.com/moravianacademy twitter.com/moravianacademy

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linkedin - MA Alumni Group youtube.com/moravianacademyvideo JOURNAL | SPRING 2018

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CLASS

NOTES

Gail Strahler Schaffer ’69S with her equine friend, Marquesa

Lloyd P. “Buck” Jones ’75 and his first grandchild, Liam Patrick Jones

Carolyn Kennedy ’77, Barbara Jones Belshaw ’77, Peggy Peters Cook ’77 (pictured L to R) celebrate their 40th Reunion at the home of Michele Long Graffis ’77.

DEATHS

NEWS OF NOTE

1975

Susan T. Bryan ’61P, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on September 14, 2017.

1966

Lloyd P. “Buck” Jones ’75 and his wife, Terri, welcomed their first grandchild, Liam Patrick Jones, into the family on February 26, 2018. Parents and baby are doing well. (see photos above)

Shirley Shine Dyer, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on March 18, 2018. She was the mother of David Dyer ‘75 and grandmother of Amy Dyer Terzian ‘06.

Sara Vosburgh Glenn ’68S, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away on December 4, 2017.

June Weidner Holt, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on January 22, 2018. She was the mother of Deborah Holt Weil ’70P and Richard Holt ’74 and grandmother of Emily Holt ’16 and Olivia Holt ’16.

Joseph Kimock, Jr. ’51P, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on January 6, 2018.

Dr. Astrid Kromayer, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on February 19, 2018.

She taught Spanish at Moravian Preparatory School (MPS) from 1958-1963.

Her daughters, Edvige “Vige” Kromayer Barrie and Annette Kromayer Bonner, both attended MPS. George S. Lane, Jr. ’77, of Bath, PA, passed away on February 12, 2018.

Kirsten Otto Sheets ’83, of Nokomis, FL, passed away on February 5, 2018.

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By trade, Lawrence Fox ’66P is a Lehigh Valley attorney who also “dabbles” as a playwright. He shared that he had a production showing at the Pennsylvania Playhouse in early May titled, “The Obituary I’m Dying To Write.” The play revolves around eight elderly residents of the county nursing home discussing the drafting of their obituaries.

“The Obituary I’m Dying To Write” was the 2012 grand prize winner of the live juried competition held by the Shawnee Playhouse located in Shawnee on the Delaware, Pennsylvania.

1977 On Reunion Weekend, Michele Long Graffis ’77 welcomed classmates to her Bethlehem home in celebration of their 40th Reunion. (see photos above and below)

1969 Debbie Applegate ’69S is living in Florida, and retired from teaching high school and architectural design work.

She says, “I miss the north and its seasons, and plan to more north again sometime. I enjoy the alumni news about some familiar classmates!”

On a recent trip to visit her sister, Cindy Strahler Rhodes ’65S, Gail Strahler Schaffer ’69S met a new equine friend, Marquesa. She says, “These horses are trotters at the Hochstetler Stables in Taylortown, North Carolina. Cindy knows the owner very well and she invited us to the stable to see the horses.” (see photo above)

Michele Long Graffis ’77 hosted the 40th Reunion for the Class of 1977. Pictured L to R: Graffis, Janet Young ’77, Jean Armstrong Nick ’77

Jay Weinman ’77, Barbara Jones Belshaw ’77, Peggy Peters Cook ’77, and Michele Long Graffis ’77 (Pictured L to R) celebrate their 40th reunion at Graffis’ home in Bethlehem.

CLASS NOTES

Paula Roscioli ’83 shared this picture of (pictured L to R) of her sons, Nicholas Battisti ’18 and Alexander Battisti ’14, skiing with Henry, son of Ted Rosenberger ’84 and Kevin Sprague.

1983/1984 Paula Roscioli ’83 shared a photo (seen above) of her “boys skiing with their buddy, Henry.”

1986 Peter Tabbot ’86 has served as Rockaway Township’s Health Officer for over six years, overseeing the provision of public and environmental health services to approximately 60,000 residents across five municipalities. In late October, he was recipient of the New Jersey Public Health Association’s highest honor, the 2017 Dennis J. Sullivan Award, which recognizes dedicated public service in improving public health in New Jersey. In December, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association. He has spent 26 years working in the field of public health, and is pictured here with the New Jersey Commissioner of Health, Catherine Bennett. (see photo above)

1995 After publishing Ultimate Journeys for Two for National Geographic Books last fall, Michael Howard ’95 and his wife, Anne, are working on another book. He says, “We just inked a book deal with North America’s largest publisher of outdoor recreation guide-

Peter Tabbot ’86 pictured with the New Jersey Commissioner of Health, Catherine Bennett.

Michael Howard ’95 and his wife, Anne, plan to author the world’s first book on glamping in North America.

books: Falcon Guides!” The couple will author the world’s first book on glamping in North America. He continues, “Since summer 2017, we’ve been secretly scouting glamping destinations across the continent. We’ve found some amazing places and will continue our hunt for the next six months, from Canada to Panama. If you know any inspiring accommodations in the great outdoors, please email us at GlampingBook@HoneyTrek.com.” (see photo) Michelle Saner D’Antoni ’95 says, “I am working as a Strategic Communications Advisor for Saudi Aramco, the world’s top exporter of crude oil and natural gas liquids. I am currently living and working at their headquarters in Saudi Arabia.”

Virginia Gabriel Vidoni ’70P shared that Gabriel Vidoni ’00 was recently recognized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He currently serves as Assistant US Attorney, District of New Jersey.

Karley Biggs Sebia ’00 filmed this year’s introduction for the SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase, which aired on WFMZ-TV 69 News in early April. (see photo on page 30)

2005 Alison Hudak reports that her daughter, Meredith Hudak Breitenbach ’05, welcomed her second baby last month.

Meredith currently serves as the Global E-Commerce Channel Manager at 3M’s Home Care Division.

2000

2008

Charles Anderson ’00 says, “I’ve worked in the community for the last ten years helping to bring the message to stop the violence. When the opportunity presented itself, I saw that running for Mayor of New Orleans would bring my message to a larger audience.

And what better way to make a splash in my city than to release a rap video?

To my surprise, it went viral locally.” To view the video, visit www.moravianacademy.org/alumnipress.

Patrick Klemm ’08 recently got a new job as the E-commerce Manager for Five Below in Philadelphia. He also shared, “Alex Kahan ‘08 and I continue our annual tradition of traveling to an Eagles away game. This year, we went to Kansas City, MO for the Chiefs game and even met up with another ‘08 grad who now lives in Missouri, Will Pittman. The three of us are already planning our next away game trip to New Orleans, LA later this year.”

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CLASS

NOTES

Karley Biggs Sebia ’00

2009 Marissa Zondag ’09 shares that she and her sister, Mallory Zondag ’12, recently visited the Netherlands in celebration of their Opa’s 90th birthday. (see photo above) After serving for over two years as Talent Acquisition Coordinator at the University of Southern California, Stefanie Zumas ’09 was recently promoted to Talent Acquisition Partner and Analyst in the university’s Human Resources Division.

2010 Justin Walker ’10 and his wife, Olivia, welcomed their first child, Charlotte Catherine Walker, into the world on July 24, 2017. (see photo above)

2011 Trevor Parkes ’11 is currently in law school at the University of Michigan.

2012 Meghan Woods ’12 was recently engaged to Austin Musfeldt and is planning a November 2018 wedding in Columbia, SC. Musfeldt is an officer and pilot in the Marine Corps, and the couple has relocated to Pensacola, FL. Meghan shares, “We met in col-

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MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Marissa Zondag ’09 and her sister, Mallory Zondag ’12

Justin Walker ’10 and his wife, Olivia, with their first child, Charlotte Catherine Walker.

lege when I was a freshman in a West African dance class. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Women’s and Gender Studies and a minor in women’s health. I bartended my way through college, and volunteered in different women’s shelters. I also helped South Carolina’s Department of Educational Television produce a series of podcasts about intimate partner violence. When I graduated, I accepted a job with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation as their Associate Philanthropic Specialist, and moved to Norfolk, VA. It was a new position within the organization, and I worked for eight months to help them develop a pipeline of high-profile donors. It was a wonderful experience, and close to my heart as a lover of animals. I had not intended to work in development, but it was a good jump-start to my career.” Since relocating, she is currently searching for a new position in the human rights field.

Jacob Wetzel ’12 was the production designer for the movie “Getting Grace,” which was released nationally in March 2018. The film features many familiar Bethlehem locations. To view the trailer, visit www.moravianacademy.org/ alumnipress.

2014 Max Fisher ’14 studied abroad in Japan for the fall 2017 semester. He will graduate from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the spring of 2018.

2015 Jack McCambridge ’15 was one of 33 players from across the nation named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America Men’s Soccer Team for Division III. A three-year starter at outside back for Carnegie Mellon University, Jack finished the year with a 1.04 goals against average and seven shutouts.

As a junior, he maintains a 4.0 GPA as a mechanical engineering major with a minor in business administration.

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS 1988

Fuisz Pharma Managing Member Joseph Fuisz ’88 recently publicly announced the issuance of a new patent concerning the manufacture of oral thin film pharmaceuticals. He remarked, “Our goal with this patent was to simplify film manufacture, and increase process yield. We’ve exceeded these goals with a new, patented methodology that also allows for novel formulations that cannot be made with existing methodologies. This enables new targets in film, not previously possible, and novel formulations that are not subject to copycat products.”

To view the announcement, visit www. moravianacademy.org/alumnipress.

CLASS NOTES

Nicollette Amico ’14

Adrianna DiMarco ’16

1997 Jacqueline Ostfeld ’97 was interviewed and in an article published by WXYZ, a news station based in Detroit, detailing a recent Sierra Club grant which will help to reopen Scout Hollow, Detroit’s only campground. Ostfeld serves as the associate director of the Sierra Club Outdoors Campaign. To view the article, visit www.moravianacademy.org/alumnipress.

2003 Roman Molino Dunn ’03 was recently interviewed by IndieActivity, an online publication covering film news for active filmmakers and fans worldwide, about his work as a composer. Molino Dunn owns Mirrortone Studios in New York City, and has composed and produced music for advertising agencies and corporations, for television commercials, TV shows, short films, feature films, radio, and Internet campaigns. To view the article, visit www.moravianacademy.org/alumnipress.

CAMPUS VISITORS Carolyn Davis Hedges ’97 presented “Online Identity: What is it anyway?” at a recent Upper School Assembly. She said, “I wanted to explain to students that, whether they like it or not, their online activity is a curation of their personal brand. I described the notion of context collapse, when the intended audience for your messages is not always who you think it is...I emphasized how important it is to take responsibility for how we behave on social media; who we are online should reflect who we are offline. The desire for likes, shares, comments, popularity, etc. can cloud our ethical vision and we can make unfortunate choices that lead to real world repercussions.” Hedges is the Faculty Program Director at the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University.

The Lower School welcomed alumni visitors during Social Studies Week.

Nicollette Amico ’14 shared information about Belgium with 3rd grade, and answered a lot of questions about currency (Euros) and cuisine (Belgian waffles). During her visit with second grade students, Adrianna DiMarco ’16 talked about the different regions of Italy and places of historical significance, sharing photos and mementos. (see photos) In early January, members of the Class of 2015 returned to campus to share information about their college selection process and campus experiences with juniors and sophomores at the Upper School. (see photo above) L to R: Stephan Joseph ’15, Cornell University; Joseph Brau ’15, University of Pennsylvania; Jeffrey Brown ’15, Tufts University; Vicki Tahos ’15, Lehigh University; Tim Wolak ’15, Lehigh University; Brooke Talsania ’15, Hamilton College; Giselle Ferguson ’15, The College of William and Mary; Brooke Lichak ’15, Lehigh University.

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GAPP EXTENSION SCHOOL Dr. J. Walter Gapp was at the helm of Moravian Preparatory School from 1944 to 1960. A seasoned professional educator, he previously held posts as an English teacher at Bethlehem High School and an assistant principal at Liberty High School.

Prep was quickly on the mend, but it was Gapp’s shrewd, wholly new idea that soon restored completely the school’s finances and led it into an era of unprecedented prosperity. The Veteran’s Administration, armed with GI Bill funding, would cover the cost of preparatory instruction for returning soldiers unable to meet college entrance requirements. Several of Gapp’s former Liberty High students sought his help, and he quickly seized the opportunity both to provide a needed service and to help his school financially.

The postgraduate extension school operated within MPS, and initially enrolled 18 veterans. By 1946, there were 78 veterans learning alongside 129 regular students.

When the GI educational funding ended in 1955, Gapp was confident that the program would still attract non-veterans needing additional college preparation, stating, “Our postgraduate and summer school activities [may well] gradually develop as our major contribution to high school education in the Lehigh Valley.”

Upon Gapp’s retirement in 1960, The Reverend Eugene Glasser, Honorary Alumnus, continued the momentum. In 1961, the program was relocated to the former Neisser School building on Wall Street and officially named the J. Walter Gapp Extension School. The postgraduate program operated until the early 1970’s.

Reference: “Mind Body & Spirit: Moravian Academy 1742-1992 ,” co-authored by Susan M. Swasta, Ph.D. and Richard D. Krohn, Ph.D.

“

I once taught at MPS. It was in the fall of 1946. Having escaped a neardeath experience from the previous administration, MPS was experiencing a revival due to the GI Bill and a competent new principal, Walter Gapp. The school was inundated with returning vets striving to complete their high school education.

And teachers were in very short supply. In desperation I’m sure, Gapp asked me, a nineteen-year-old senior at Lehigh, to teach a class in Plane Geometry.

The class met in what I regarded as “Miss Schwarze’s Room,” the NW room on the second floor. It consisted of about 35 vets, every one of them several years older than I. Somehow I managed to get through the course. To my relief, I had no problem with control. These were serious students! Some of them even came to me for advice on such things as getting into college.

I also taught Health once a week to a class of perhaps ten 8th graders.

“

That baptism of fire gave me some priceless credentials and started me on a lifelong teaching career.

– Frederick “Fritz” Stocker ’44P

Photo far left: Dr. J. Walter Gapp Photo left: Prep’s veterans of the Class of 1948

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR

REUNION WEEKEND OCTOBER 12-14, 2018

Alumni/ae from Moravian Seminary for Girls, Moravian Preparatory School and Moravian Academy are invited back to campus to reconnect with friends and former classmates, faculty and administration. Interested in helping to plan weekend or class-specific activities?

Contact the Alumni Office at tbozik@moravianacademy.org or (610) 332-5282.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN Each year, the Moravian Academy Alumni Association recognizes Distinguished Alumni during Alumni Reunion Weekend. We need your input for 2018 nominees. Award criteria and the nomination form can be found at www.moravianacademy.org/distinguishedalumni.

Additionally, nominations are also being accepted for candidates for the Athletic Hall of Fame. Current members, selection criteria and the nomination form can be found at www.moravianacademy.org/ halloffame.

Annual Fund Gifts to the Annual Fund have an immediate impact, supporting nearly every aspect of a Moravian education and enriching the intellectual, athletic, and personal development of every student.

Every Annual Fund gift touches every student and goes directly to the Moravian Academy operating budget.

Join us to achieve our goal of $480,000 with your gift.

M AK E YO U R G I F T AN D YO U R I M PAC T BEF OR E JU N E 30 AT WWW. MOR AVIANACADEMY.OR G/ GI VI NG .

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Moravian Academy 11 West Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

MARK YOUR CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS May 31 Cum Laude and Underclass Awards June 1 Last Day of School for Primer, PreK, and Kindergarten June 1

Baccalaureate

June 2

Commencement

June 5

Lower School Closing Chapel

June 6

Middle School Closing Chapel

June 11

Summer Programs Begin

June 18 Lehigh Valley Summerbridge Begins August 13

Upper School Fall Sports Begin

August 20

Middle School Fall Sports Begin

August 22

Back to School Picnic

August 27

First Day of School

September 17 Moravian Academy Golf Outing October 12-14 Reunion Weekend October 14

Country Fair

SUMMER AT THE ACADEMY

CHECK OUT OUR PROGRAMS OFFERINGS AND REGISTER ONLINE! www. m o rav ia nac ad e my. org /summe r

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