ABOUT THE MORAVIAN ACADEMY JOURNAL
DEAR READER, When the 2021-2022 school year began, in many ways it felt like Moravian was entering a new era. We started the year fresh, three campuses united under a new mission. Gradually, as health protocols allowed, field trips returned. Grade-level, campus-wide, and even allschool gatherings were possible again. We began connecting with each other, in-person, in ways we haven’t experienced in a long time. By the spring, our school became mask-optional, and smiles graced our beautiful campuses one again. While it sometimes feels like this new era has been defined by the pandemic, we would argue that it has actually been defined by compassion -- the theme of this issue. Yes, you will read about exceptional academic achievements, the return of live audiences to student performances, adventures near and far, and all kinds of success stories. But, these experiences don’t happen in a bubble. The amazing feats of our students and faculty are happening in the midst of a pandemic while complex societal issues unfold. So how do we make it all happen? How do we learn and laugh and celebrate when life feels so heavy? We show each other compassion. From the podium at Swain where eighth-graders lift up their friends and loved ones (and pets and historical figures!) with inspiration speeches, to a record-breaking year collecting donations for the Holiday Hope Chest Downtown, to Comenius Projects approached with empathy, this year has seen our learners take the lead when it comes to giving those in our community and beyond a helping hand. Compassion is at the heart of the courageous conversations that have been central to the community-building we’ve undergone this year. It has been one of the driving forces of our progress as a school. We also took the opportunity to highlight three of our school superheroes this issue: our school counselors! Flip to page 34 to read more about how their radical compassion, life-changing social and emotional learning tools, and support of each and every student help to create the strong community that feels like home to so many generations of alumni and families. When we take the next steps into the future with our compassionate learners leading the way, we are sad to be doing so without Head of School Jeff Zemsky, who after six incredible years, is saying goodbye to Moravian Academy. Thanks to his visionary leadership, Mr. Zemsky leaves us at a time when we have never been more optimistic about our future. Taking his place as the Interim Head of School will be Adrianne Finley Odell, with the search for permanent Head ongoing. As you read the stories in this issue, take heart. Like our students, be inspired to show compassion, even when it’s hard. On the Swain, Downtown, and Merle-Smith Campuses, we enter this exciting new era together, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Sincerely,
Stephanie Vasta Director of Marketing & Communications
Julia Fox & Amanda Kulakowski Associate Directors of Communications
The Moravian Academy Journal is published three times per year. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted with credit to Moravian Academy.
EDITORS
Julia Fox Stephanie Vasta
DESIGN
Imagevolution
HEAD OF SCHOOL Jeffrey Zemsky
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jackie Andreychak Jill Beil Anileys Bermudez Elena Caponianco ’23 Erin Coffey Dr. Brian Crowe JoAnne Daniels Gonzalo del Real Lisa Dubreuil Julia Fox Megan Franzyshen Dr. Peter Kish Valarie Kuehner Amanda Kulakowski Angie Lande Debbie Lindsay Nick Lucas Jennifer Mitchell Alejandro Monedero Dr. Catherine Moore Rev. Jennifer Nichols Susan Parent Juan Rojo Wendy Sheetz ’85 Swain Campus Parent Association Yuli Vanegas Karen Washington Bob Zaiser Jeff Zemsky
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tom Amico Gonzalo del Real Julia Fox Jewel Kislin ’23 Amanda Kulakowski Moravian Academy Archives Susan Parent Stephanie Vasta Lindsay Woodruff
ADDRESS
Office of Institutional Advancement 7 East Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018
CORRESPONDENCE Office of Communications 7 East Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018
Moravian Academy’s mission empowers us to become limitless learners as we discover new ideas and create new self-expressions. We do more than check boxes; we celebrate the unique potential of every individual. Our path to academic excellence harnesses the teachable moments of both success and failure, as we explore the complexities of our world with curiosity, confidence, and compassion. Our commitment to courageous conversations means that we actively learn from and support the different identities we embody, we respect each other’s views, and we lead with head and heart. Immersed in an environment of love and understanding, our students answer the questions: Who am I and who can I become?
JOURNAL | SPRING 2021
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