Moravian Academy Journal: Community (Fall 2022)

JOURNAL COMMUNITY

DEAR READER,

When we ask our families, faculty, students, and alumni what it is, exactly, that makes Moravian Academy special in its distinct, enduring way, the answer almost always involves the theme of this issue — its community.

When our graduates embark on their futures at the right-fit colleges and, later, careers of their dreams, it’s our community that connects them with their teachers and friends long after they’ve received their diplomas, including Peter Puleo ’12MA, Andie Burns ’10SS, ’14MA, and the score of alumni who celebrate marriages, births, new jobs, and other life developments in Class Notes (page 52).

When our Search Committee endeavored to select Moravian Academy’s next Head of School, it was our community that compelled then-Interim Head, Adrianne Finley Odell, to explore being considered as a candidate for the long-term headship. We are pleased to announce, upon thorough and careful consideration from the Search Committee, that Ms. Finley Odell has indeed become a permanent member of our community as Moravian’s first female and eighth Head of School (page 36).

When kindergarteners play together on the Swain Campus playground as one giggling, bubbly class (page 19), or when students bond while adventuring on overnight retreats (page 24), or when families from all campuses join us for Country Fair, the International Festival for All Families, or for other favorite traditions, they build the beloved community that has been a cherished part of school life for over two and a half centuries.

Maybe you are an alum who attended Alumni Reunion this fall, or maybe you are a parent who cheered on the Lions at a home soccer game or tennis match. Maybe it’s been a while since you connected with the people and places of Moravian Academy. Please know that no matter how long it has been, wherever you’re reading this, or to whichever campus you call home, you are an important part of our community, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sincerely,

Vasta Director of Marketing & Communications

ABOUT THE MORAVIAN ACADEMY JOURNAL

The Moravian Academy Journal is published two 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

Adrianne Finley Odell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amy Bowser

Dylan Deal

Darah Donaher

Julia Fox

Megan Franzyshen Karla Gaugler

Ingrid Gerber

Amanda Kulakowski Barbara Medina Jennifer Mitchell Susan Parent

Brad Pomeroy Grace Sanvito

Kyle Shaughnessy Wendy Sheetz Kelley Stout Damaris Torres Karen Washington Bob Zaiser

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tom Amico Okezue Bell ’23

Katie Buczynski Marco Calderon

Julia Fox

Ingrid Gerber

Amanda Kulakowski Susan Parent Brad Pomeroy Stephanie Vasta Lindsay Woodruff Bob Zaiser

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?

Stephanie

Julia Fox & Amanda Kulakowski Associate Directors of Communications

Baccalaureate 2022

The annual ceremony was held in Central Moravian Church on June 3, 2022.

Celebrating Our Lifers

Since their earliest days of school on the Downtown or Swain Campus, Lifers have called Moravian Academy home. It has been a privilege and a joy to help them discover who they are as they realized their unique potential. Below, we recognize Lifers from the Class of 2022 as they appeared in the Commencement program.

Samantha Abraham

Jamilie Atiyeh

Ryan Baki

Michael Baron

Isabella Bartolacci

Juliana Blobe

Jack Bowser

Sophia Brands

Andrew Burke

Vincenet Carosella Calandra Colitas Matthew Fanning

Lily Farr

Soren Gandhi Sebastian Holbrook

Arsh Kandola

Sophia Lee

Sophia Mangino

Arianna Matos

Vincent Menichelli, Jr. Treyton Messman

Christopher Milot Samit Mohapatra Jackson Oltman

Chloe Oudin

Abhishek Patel

Ava Perrucci Lauren Reid Alison Riker

Favor Ufondu Divik Verma

“The journey of where you have been is unprecedented, and I am honored to have traveled that journey with you,” Ms. Schanta—who began at the MerleSmith Campus at the same time as our now graduated seniors—said during her heartfelt Baccalaureate address to the Class of 2022.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

By Dylan Deal

We celebrated and graduated a remarkable group of young people: the inimitable Class of 2022. They are a talented bunch of scholars, artists, poets, singers, dancers, performers, athletes, and more. We are so proud of the way they have persevered through challenging circumstances to leave a legacy of leadership, good will, and excellence. And their future destinations are as impressive as the indelible mark they leave on this school.

After answering a quick phone call, (“Since you’re on the phone, let me ask you: Hypothetically, if you were to write a graduation speech, what would you put in it?”) senior class president Favor Ufondu ’22MA delivered a Commencement address as iconic as the legacy of the Class of 2022. It was definitely not one of the “many essays that I waited until the very last second to write,” as she puts it with a smile. Read an excerpt below.

“We were able to make the greatest comeback after a pandemic that I’ve ever seen. Okay. Well, the only comeback after a pandemic that I’ve ever seen, but that still makes you number one. When we were freshmen, we always joked about never living up to the class of 2019, our seniors. But I believe that we did that and more, we became the backbone of the Upper School in its time of need.

When you came back to this community after a year of online learning, you didn’t hesitate to fully immerse yourselves as if you had never left. Together, we championed social justice. Together, we relentlessly pursued our academic passions. Together, we brought back spirit and a sense of unity, and we inspired others to do the same, like we did after several games of spikeball.

After applying to college and after a global pandemic, I’ve learned that the grass is green wherever you water it. So as you leave this place and go on to become CEOs, senators, sous chefs, engineers, architects, and artists, please remember to find beauty in the chaos. Rather than run from the stress or wait for the storm to pass, find your home away from home within it instead. Find your joy in the journey.”

Watch the full Commencement ceremony, including Favor’s address on the blog.

On Friday, June 3, 2022, Moravian Academy held its annual Baccalaureate ceremony followed by its Commencement on Saturday, June 4.

It’s Onward and Upward for the

Moravian Academy Class of 2022!

Below are the colleges and universities that were lucky enough to have been chosen by the Lions.

Aston University

Baylor University

Boston College*

Brown University

Bryn Mawr College

Carleton University

Carnegie Mellon University

The Catholic University of America*

Clemson University

Colorado State University*

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

DeSales University

Emerson College

Emory University

George Washington University*

Georgetown University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Gettysburg College

Haverford College

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Howard University

Indiana University Bloomington

Lafayette College*

Lehigh University*

Loyola University Maryland

Messiah University

Middlebury College

Moravian University*

North Carolina State University

Northeastern University*

Queen’s University

Rice University

Sacred Heart University

Skidmore College

St. Joseph’s University*

Stevens Institute of Technology*

Syracuse University*

Tulane University

University of Alabama

University of California-Irvine University of California-Los Angeles University of Central Florida University of Delaware University of Denver University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of Michigan University of New Hampshire

University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania*

University of Rochester University of Scranton*

University of Virginia Villanova University

Wake Forest University

Wilkes University

* multiple students attending

Read the full story on the blog.

Okezue Bell ’23 Is a BioGENEius

Okezue competed in the Pennsylvania BioGENEius challenge, which is the world’s largest pre-collegiate biology and biotechnology research competition in the world. Only one winner is selected from each state to compete at the competition, and Okezue took first at the Pennsylvania BioGENEius for his work in developing a low-cost and robust prosthetic for amputees with below the elbow (transradial) amputations. He received a fully-funded trip to compete for top awards totaling $20,000 at the International BioGENEius conference, where he was named the Grand Prize Winner!

Performer, Athlete Kaitlyn Lee ’23 Gets Top ACT Score

By Julia Fox

In between theatre and singing rehearsals, field hockey games, and admissions tours, Kaitlyn Lee ’23 prepared to take the ACT. Her hard work paid off, as she earned the highest possible ACT composite score of 36. Fewer than half of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2021, only 4,055 out of 1.29 million students who took the ACT earned a top composite score of 36.

“Earning a top score on the ACT is a remarkable achievement,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “A student’s exceptional score of 36 will provide any college or university with ample evidence of their readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.”

Kaitlyn balanced practicing (especially for the math section) in between her other school activities. Passionate about the performing arts, she is involved with the Chamber Singers, Chorale, and theatre. She also plays field hockey, and—because she is a performer, athlete, and a scholar—she can share her experiences with prospective students as an Admissions Ambassador, which is something else she enjoys. How does she balance all of her favorite activities? She tells us it’s all about, “making sure I have my priorities straight and making sure that what I need to do now is what I put in for a schedule that makes sense.”

Read the full story, “Okezue Bell ’23 Shines In Elite Stem Competitions” on the blog.

Alicia Gordon ’24 and Wisdom Ufondu ’23 Receive National Recognition from College Board

By Kyle Shaughnessy

Moravian Academy students Alicia Gordon ’24 and Wisdom Ufondu ’23 have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with

universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.

“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students

who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”

Swain Campus Students Inducted into National Junior Honor Society

By Amanda Kulakowski

On May 26, 2022, nineteen members of the class of 2027 were inducted into the Swain Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

The newest members of the National Junior Honor Society were surrounded by family, class of 2026 members, and Swain faculty and staff as they earned this distinguished honor. These students exemplify the qualities of “outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, service, and citizenship” and earned their membership through consistent and dedicated demonstration of these attributes.

Congratulations to the following students from the Class of 2027!

Jacob Neff

Lorelei Rocchio

Sam Stempert

Caroline Thompson

Jack Veluz

Kai Garcia

Dylan Braverman

Jack Duerholz

Sophia Brancato

Sophia Hanna

Laila Erney

Porter Fegley

Braylon Flores

Emma Estrada

Josh Goldberg

Toler Wreaks

Leland Naylor

Derek Raudabaugh

Olivia Laible-Warner

2022 STEM Design Challenge Participants Finish First

By Brad Pomeroy

When posed with how to make our transportation system more efficient, cleaner, or safer, our fourth and fifth-grade STEM Challenge participants were up for the task!

Twenty students, broken into five teams of four, got to work. After a total of 12 or more hours of afterschool brainstorming, designing, planning, journaling, and creating, each team submitted their projects to be judged on March 18th.

After a thorough evaluation, the IU20 judges announced that one of our teams was awarded first place in the Regional IU20 Stem Challenge in the grades 4-5 Division! Congratulations to our winning team members, Aiza Akbar ’29, Devi ’29 and Shanti Patel ’29, and Elizabeth Goodman ’29.

On Tuesday, April 12th, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 representatives, the Challenge sponsors, presented the Champion STEM Design Award. All of the participants were acknowledged and the winning team excitedly shared their design and their experiences with their fourthand fifth-grade peers. Their advisors, Mr. DiMenichi and Mr. Pomeroy, are extremely proud of all of the STEM Challenge participants for their creativity, perseverance, effort, and vision. All of the teams demonstrated the ability to collaboratively problem solve, develop and execute a plan, document their collective journey, and concisely summarize their projects in a two-minute video presentation. What an amazing journey!

Field & Court: A Look Back at the Spring 2022 Season

BASEBALL

Our varsity baseball team saw significant improvement on the diamond this past spring. The team’s overall performance did not reflect their 4-15 record. The boys missed out on the qualification for the District XI tournament, but with the loss of only one senior and a strong core of upperclassmen, the team is looking forward to the spring 2023 season.

BOYS’ LACROSSE

It was a successful season for the boys’ lacrosse team as they finished the year with a 10-7 overall record. Coach Conroy’s group posted some impressive results defeating Southern Lehigh twice as well as Nazareth. The team lost an overtime heartbreaker to Northwestern in the District XI semi-finals by an 8-7 score.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

The girls’ lacrosse team finished the spring season with a 6-10 record. In Coach Barnhardt’s last season at the helm, the girls’ team qualified for the District XI tournament and lost to eventual District Champion, Southern Lehigh, in the semi-final round. With the return of Coach Shaughnessy to the Head Coaching position, the team looks forward to a fresh start in the spring of 2023.

BOYS’ TENNIS

With a 8-1 league record and an overall 10-2 overall record, the boys’ tennis team had another successful season. Avenging their earlier loss to Southern Lehigh in the regular season, the team won the Colonial League Tournament by edging the Spartans by 2 points. The team also qualified for the District XI tournament and lost in the finals to Central Catholic by a 3-2 score in a close match. The team is looking forward to the spring of 2023 with the return of the line-up.

TRACK AND FIELD

A number of our athletes represented Moravian Academy extremely well as a member of the Notre Dame Track and Field Program thanks to our cooperative sponsorship agreement. Joseph Phillips ’24 earned silver medals in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles in the Colonial League Championships. Denali Cintron ’24 finished in 5th place in the Colonial League Championship meet in the 110 meter hurdles. Valia Tsirukis ’24 also had a strong showing with a 7th place finish also in the 110 meter hurdles. Valia

earned a 3rd place finish at the District XI Championship in that same race. Denali finished in 4th place in the 300 meter hurdles at the District XI Championship. Joseph Phillips ’24 stole the show earning District Gold in the 110 meter hurdles at the District meet. He also took Bronze in the 300 meter hurdle race. Congrats to all!

Curiosity Meets Academic Excellence Student-Centered

Fifth Grade Celebrates Research Project

Seventh and eighth-graders who completed a SCORE project shared their research and discoveries with their families, faculty, and fellow students on Monday, June 6, 2022. One of Moravian Academy’s signature independent research experiences, SCORE uses the Stripling Model of Inquiry to guide students while their curiosity drives the research process.

Topics included:

• Protecting Giant Pandas: Why Every Penny Counts

• How Does Color Affect Memory?

• Minecraft’s Impact on Society

• The Effects of Aging on the Brain

• Experimental and Computer Simulation Studies to Dive Deeper into NASA’s SuperBIT Telescope

For a longer list of projects and to see more photos, visit the blog.

Throughout the third trimester, students in fifth grade worked on their research topic papers. Students had to work through the research process which included gathering information, taking notes using Noodletools, identifying three subtopics, and writing a 4-8 page paper. On Wednesday, June 1, they participated in the fifth-grade Research Paper Celebration. Set up in the CE auditorium with trifold boards and an artifact, students were able to showcase what they learned through a presentation for their friends and families.

Through Independent Research Project

Comenius Projects

Comenius Independent Study projects provide students with opportunities to pursue advanced study in an area of personal interest with the guidance of a faculty mentor. Long-term, in-depth, independent research and practical, real-world application of scholarly work are the hallmarks of this exciting and dynamic program.

In spring 2021, the Merle-Smith hosted its inaugural Comenius Project Fair, at which students presented their discoveries to faculty, students, and families.

Project Topics

• The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

• Gender in Art Therapy

• The Radical Polarization of American Political Discourse

• Happy Playlist: A Curated List of Songs Designed to Treat Two Symptoms of MDD

• Princesses and Superheroes: The Psychology of Gender and Child Development

• The Determinants of Real Estate Investment

• The Contradictory Nature of the Enlightenment and Its Influence on Views of Race

• How Can We Prepare for a Solar Storm?

• Datum: A Differentiable Programming Language

• Behavioral Effects of Non-Lethal Doses of Lead Nitrate on Fathead Minnows

• The Burden of Balance

• A Socialist Generation

• A Dive Into Animation

• Periodization

Programming: The Creation of Training Programs

• The Power of Art

See their video presentations online.

DECA: Moravian Academy’s Leadership & Entrepreneurship Club Soars

Statewide & Nationally

By Ingrid Gerber

For the past three years, Moravian Academy has taken the DECA Chapter from a relatively small group of dedicated students who had a passion for business leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit to a robust club with a membership of almost 80 students. As their advisor, I started my journey in 2021, during which time students attended the 76ers DECA Day at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, competed at the three-day state conference in Hershey, PA, and qualified for the international competition in Atlanta, GA to compete against 18,000 other competitors from around the world.

DECA Attends the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta

Sunny Chen ’24 and Krish Gupta ’24 had a dilemma. Their Franchise Business Plan had qualified by placing first in the state competition, but they weren’t sure how their Crumbl Cookies were going to get to Atlanta. They figured that they would create cookies out of clay and FedEx their poster presentation down ahead of time to avoid any damage on the flight.

Sunny Chen ’24 and Krish Gupta ’24 began their ICDC journey by shipping clay cookies and a Crumble Cookies franchise business plan poster presentation to Georgia ahead of time. Roshen Gandotra ’23 was ready to delve deeper into his passion for real estate marketing, so he signed on to the ASPIRE leadership workshop portion of the ICDC conference.

Rayna Malhotra ’24, Kanchan Gupta ’24, Chessie Bartolacci ’24, Wisdom Ufondu ’23 and Okezue Bell ’23 were ready to present their top notch presentations to defend their top marks earned at the state level. Everyone was nervous, but

had prepared thoroughly. We left the airport in anticipation of what was in store for us as we joined the throngs of blazered young entrepreneurs who had business plans in hand and networking skills at the ready.

When it was time to present, our students did not disappoint. All of our competitors scored high marks with the judges. Finalists, Sunny Chen ’24 and Krish Gupta ’24 wowed the judges so much that the scoring representative reached out to me personally via email to tell me how amazed he was not only by the professionalism of their franchise business plan, but the humanity of their approach to managing employees and their understanding of both risk and risk mitigation. With this glowing acknowledgement, Sunny and Krish came away with the coveted DECA glass and a second-place finish in the international competition.

As we move into the 2022-23 season, Moravian’s DECA chapter is looking forward to building on an already successful strategy. Co-presidents, Sunny Chen ’24 and Roshen Gandotra ’23, alongside the leadership strategy team of Krish Gupta ’24, Drew Mariani ’23, Lindsay Williams ’23, and Hildi Kurlansik ’23 have planned mock role plays, mini-fairs, and in-person speakers as well as Zoom calls with business leaders and other professionals. We embraced this year’s DECA theme, “Get the EDGE,” and we’re ready to take it all the way in 2023!

Seventh Grade Studies Oceanography at The Chincoteague Bay Field Station

by Jennifer Mitchell

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, seventh grade students on the Swain Campus embarked on an overnight trip to the Chincoteague Bay Field Station on Wallop Island, VA.

The Chincoteague Bay Field Station, located on Wallops Island in Virginia, is a research station that specializes in wetland ecology and oceanography. As a capstone trip of the outdoor education program, the classes and experiences during this trip support the science oceanography curriculum.

Their first day of experiential learning began with a “class” in wetland ecology. Students examined different factors that contribute to the ecological importance of wetlands and salt marshes. They were able to experience both environments by swimming and wading in the wetland and marshes. To say they got muddy is an understatement!

Their afternoon adventure included an oceanography cruise on a research

vessel where they used a variety of scientific equipment to make predictions about tidal creek environments, water quality, and aquatic organisms. In the evening, they traversed the island to discuss physical and behavioral adaptations of nocturnal organisms and the reliability of human senses.

On the last day, they ended their trip by visiting the NASA Wallops Island station to tour the facility and learn about their programming.

In addition to being a part of the Science curriculum, this trip served as a wonderful bonding experience for the 7th grade class. They had the opportunity to get to know each other in a different environment and enjoy the outdoors.

Special thank you to trip chaperones, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Lonabocker, Mr. Haviland, and Mrs. Crerand!

What Is It Like to Be Deaf? A Lesson in Acceptance and Belonging Builds Community

By Kelley Stout and Karla Gaugler

Our beginning school and first-grade friends were introduced to a special school friend, Professor Kimberly Kuhns, who spent time teaching them what it is like to live as a deaf person.

Professor Kuhns is the sister of Swain Campus teachers, Kelley Stout and Karla Gaugler, and visited all the way from Kansas where she is a Professor at Johnson County Community College. Professor Kuhns is deaf and teaches courses in sign language and deaf culture.

During the beginning school town meeting, Mrs. Stout and Professor Kuhns read and signed the story My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do by Tanesha Ausby. This story is an African American children’s book for all ages that celebrates acceptance and belonging. Our first-graders in Mrs. Gaugler’s and

See more photos and video from this story on the blog.

Mrs. Monahan’s classes also spent time with Professor Kuhns and learned similar lessons of empathy when they heard this same story but while Mrs. Gaugler read with Professor Kuhns signing. Both groups of students discussed technologies that assist deaf people with communicating, what it may feel like to be a child who is deaf, how deaf people communicate, and they even learned some sign language! Mrs. Gaugler, Mrs. Stout, and Professor Kuhns also shared anecdotes about growing up as sisters and how they learned to communicate using lip reading.

Their favorite part of the day? Clapping in sign language and singing Happy Birthday to their friends with April birthdays!

The Bilingual Kindergarten Collection Fair

By Damaris Torres & Amy Bowser ’87

Downstairs and Spanish Immersion Program kindergarteners taught their teachers and other Lower School students all about their favorite items.

Kindergarteners set up their collections in the CE Building. Lower School faculty and students in other grades visited the

Collection Fair, curious to learn more from their kindergarten friends. Students shared facts about their collections, like how many they had, where they got some of the items, and what their favorite piece in the collection is. SIP students asked and answered

questions in Spanish.

Downstairs Kindergarten held its Collection Fair on Monday, May 9, and Spanish Immersion Program

Kindergarteners took their turn on Tuesday, May 17.

Puerto Rican Folklore Inspires Post SIP Students

By Barbara Medina

As part of their Humanities curriculum, students in the 2021-2022 fifth-grade Post Spanish Immersion Program focused on the geography, history, and literature of the Spanish-speaking islands: Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

After reading and analyzing Juan Bobo stories that illustrate key aspects of Puerto Rican life and traditions, students created their own stories in Spanish. Their books had to be a minimum of 10 pages and had to include illustrations

and an about-the-author page. Once completed, students “published” their writing and signed their books for inclusion in the school library, where their stories can be enjoyed by younger Spanish Immersion learners.

Cross-Campus Playdates Prove We Are Stronger Together!

By Amanda Kulakowski

During the first month of the 2022-2023 school year, first-grade and kindergarten friends from the Downtown Campus traveled to the Swain Campus to enjoy time together at their first of many play dates!

First-grade students enjoyed an afternoon together on the Swain playground and instantly made new friends! After spending time laughing, playing, and exploring, they shared a picnic lunch. Everyone agreed that their favorite part of the playdate was recess, lunch, and a sweet frozen treat!

“Today I visited the Swain Campus. I met a friend, actually, two friends. Their names are Hunter and Finley. I had so much fun with them. I can’t wait much longer to see them again. I played on their playground. I played on the treehouse and the swings. The treehouse had two slides. Then we had lunch. I liked the popsicles. I hope they can come to my campus someday.”

Clara Brown ’34, Downtown Campus

Courage, Community, and a Mission-Driven Career: Meet Peter Puleo ’12MA

By Julia Fox and Grace Sanvito

Peter Puleo ’12MA can hardly believe that it has been ten years since he graduated from Moravian Academy. A lot has changed for this SpaceX manufacturing engineer, but there has always been one constant: our school’s community. Puleo is a “Lifer,” an alumnus who began at Moravian in pre-kindergarten and continued all the way through graduation. “I’m just very grateful for the fact that I have some friendships that date all the way back to those initial memories,” he says. “Being able

to grow up with these people and see who they’ve become is a very rewarding experience.”

He remembers walks between classes with friends, the anticipation that accompanied pre-season, 12 years of Red and Gold days (especially “getting to know my brothers’ friends and taunting those on the Gold Team—one of whom would later become my sisterin-law!”) Pictured below is Samantha Khan ’09 (left), Peter Puleo ’12 (middle), Laurie Wagner Puleo ’09 (right), John Puleo ’09 (back), taken 12 years before John (Peter’s brother) and Laurie would get married.

Of course, Puleo also looks back with fondness to the faculty that helped guide him along the way, particularly Dean of Students Mr. Dan Axford as well as now retired teachers Mr. Bross, Mr. Strohl, and Mr. Caldwell. In retrospect, even failing Mrs. Parent’s math exam in fifth grade gives him a laugh.

“That is a core memory of mine. There was nobody to be upset with other than myself, but I used that as incentive to

start really attacking the things that I wanted to be good at.”

Having teachers that recognized when to challenge him and when to provide support to help him work through his challenges was instrumental to Puleo’s education. Because of this, his advice to current students is to “not be dissuaded or discouraged by unexpected challenges or temporary failures,” he says, “And that applies everywhere - not just in the classroom.”

This isn’t an empty platitude from Puleo; he learned from experience. After graduating from a five-year program in mechanical engineering and management at Bucknell University, he began a career in product design that took him to Seattle, Washington. Professionally, this was a big step in the right direction, but he wanted to put his passion for engineering to use within “the context of social impact and public health.” To do this would require Puleo to be courageous. It would mean uprooting his entire life and moving to Nairobi, Kenya.

“Living abroad and being that far away from family definitely offered new challenges,” Puleo says. But the risk, he discovered, was worth it. He found his calling at a mission-driven company working alongside “truly gifted and welcoming” people designing and manufacturing ‘jiko’ cookstoves. “I was introduced to a culture that I had no previous experience with and was really just encouraged to dive in.”

This experience was inspirational for Puleo. “It’s just incredibly reaffirming to look back and know that pursuing a passion and taking a risk payed off in ways I never could have predicted.”

Then, in 2020, the pandemic forced him to return to the states in search of the same kind of fulfilling work. He landed at SpaceX where he is currently a manufacturing engineer for the Starlink program. He says:

“We have a constellation of small satellites in low orbit, and by connecting with them via a small antenna, our customers can access the Internet from almost anywhere on the planet. The mission of connectivity is what drives this side of the business. And my role specifically within that is ensuring

we produce those antennas in a safe, reliable way.”

Manufacturing “space Internet,” as Puleo describes it, may be quite different from developing cook stoves, but passionate, brilliant people worked on both projects. Being surrounded by “curious, tenacious, mission-driven people” is what Puleo considers one of the highlights of his work.

As for Moravian Academy, Puleo never left our community behind. One of the joys of growing up and finding himself has been seeing the people who his friends are becoming, too.

“One of the coolest experiences has been maintaining decades-old friendships. Reflecting on who someone was in First or Second Grade, and witnessing the incredible things they’ve done, the challenges they’ve faced, and the person they’ve evolved into in the twenty or so years since.”

Moravian connections even run deep in the family: Laurie Wagner Puleo ’09 is married to Peter’s brother John Puleo ’09! In case any further proof is needed that Moravian friendships endure, know that Puleo’s current roommate is fellow alumnus Eddie Painter ’12. In September

2021, the Class of 2012 got the band back together during a mini-reunion at the wedding of Damien Morel ’12. Pictured L to R: Eddie Painter ’12, Ryan Manhoff ’12, Megan Sonier ’12, Peter Puleo ’12, and Damien Morel ’12. As students, they rocked out as the group Speakeasy.

What keeps alumni connected to our community 10, 20, even 30 years after graduation? According to Puleo, it’s the “authenticity” of the relationships that reach much deeper than mutual interests.

“Moravian promotes a lot of authenticity, and it allows students to feel comfortable discovering what they love and surround themselves with teachers and friends who can help nurture those passions.”

In Puleo’s case, those relationships gave him the confidence to move to another continent, and today, it has him looking toward the stars.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB):

Introducing the Justice, Belonging, & Love Committee

By Karen Washington

New this year is a school-wide DEIJB-focused family group called the Justice, Belonging & Love Committee, (formerly the Global Awareness Committee at Moravian Academy and the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Swain). The intention in forming this committee was to combine two existing like-minded groups. This committee sponsors a fundraising booth at Country Fair as well as organizes the International Festival for All Families, an amazing potluck social for all families across our three campuses. Additionally, parents and guardians hope to sponsor discussions regarding pertinent DEIJB topics.

International Festival for All Families

By Grace Sanvito

On Friday, May 6, we hosted our annual International Festival for All Families at Moravian Academy! It was a wonderful evening where families from all three of our campuses were able to enjoy activities including:

• Chinese calligraphy

• Ukrainian flower wreaths with MA parent Julie Myinarsky

• Hair braiding with Tatiana Fleetwood-Mack

• A step/stomp dancing tutorial with guest Matthew McKay

• Henna artistry

After the dance demonstration, our families were able to enjoy a pot luck dinner featuring cuisine from around the world that represents our individual family heritages. A special thanks go to our Global Awareness Committee Co-Chairs Fatima Jaffer and Kelli Greene for all of their help in planning this special event!

Save the date!

The next International Festival for All Families will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023.

Scan the code to see more photos from the event and a video of the step dancing tutorial.

Seeking Adventure Strengthens Campus Communities

Merle-Smith Campus Retreat

After a two-year hiatus, the annual Merle-Smith Campus retreat returned with an overnight adventure for all campus students and faculty at Trout Lake in Stroudsburg, PA.

“My favorite part of the retreat was ziplining off of the climbing tower. I was a bit nervous because it felt much farther from the ground than I had originally anticipated, but I set my nerves aside, took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and jumped...it was amazing. Being in the air by yourself surrounded by trees (and hearing your friends cheer for you) felt so incredible and I would definitely do it again.” -- Sophie Wandall ’26

My favorite part of the retreat was seeing everyone get together with people they might not usually stick around during school hours, and just have a really great time taking part in the activities. Using one of Ms. Woodruff’s cameras, I had the chance to view and capture how much fun we all were having. This felt really special to experience! -- Nadia Ali ’25

Seeking Adventure Strengthens Campus Communities

Swain Campus

EIGHTH GRADE

Leadership Retreat at Camp Oneka

The Swain Campus eighth grade rekindled an old tradition by attending their leadership overnight retreat, hosted by Camp Oneka in the Poconos. Students rock climbed, paddled in canoes, and swam in a beautiful lake. One of the highlights of the trip was playing with the Camp Oneka golden retriever, Maddy. Students wrote letters of encouragement to their future selves, which will be opened at eighth-grade commencement at the end of the year. They also reflected on what they would like their class to be known for or remembered by: Being kind, fun role models for younger students and being open to new experiences who are always willing to try something new.

Downtown Campus

SEVENTH GRADE

Learns They’re Stronger Together

At Pocono Valley Resort, located in Reeders, PA, students were immersed in a beautiful landscape by the lake. They enjoyed a giant swing, scaled a rock-climbing wall, zip-lined across the lake, and balanced on a high ropes course.

“Students connected with peers they hadn’t had the opportunity to interact with much yet and participated in activities they had never done before. For some, kayaking was a lesson in coordination, for others, getting hoisted up 35 feet in the air by their friends was a moment of trust. Nevertheless, if the team learned anything from this trip, it is that they are #strongertogether.” --Sr.

Marc Yerrington

SIXTH GRADE Takes to the Mountains

Students and faculty spent an overnight trip at the Bryn Mawr Mountain Retreat Center in Honesdale, PA. Students completed community-building activities to get to know each other that included egg drop challenges, “chariot races,” boating, creating and performing skits, and singing campfire songs. Of course a night at camp wouldn’t be complete without s’mores!

Swain Campus VIP Day and Art Show

By Megan Franzyshen

VIP Day has been a long-standing tradition at Swain, and we were so excited to welcome guests back into our school to share the talents of our students with their Very Important People.

The day featured several components that showcased our students: music portions for grades PS - 3 and for grades 4 - 8, the 32nd annual art show, and class and grade level projects. In addition, this is the first major community event we’ve hosted in over two years due to the pandemic. The feelings of excitement, joy, and connection were evident throughout each portion of the day.

Students have been working hard to create artwork, choreograph and perfect musical performances, and hone projects to be shared with our community. Each child had autonomy in each project being shared today to either choose a topic, a famous person, or even a project of which they felt most proud. We hope everyone enjoyed this special day, during which we celebrated the unique tenet of our founder, D. Esther Swain, when she vowed to “nurture the collective joy of learning and individual spirit within each child.” We hope you felt the collective joy of learning and the spirits of our students throughout each portion of this special day at Swain.

Summer Explorations

Just because school is out for the summer doesn’t mean the fun and learning has to end. The Swain and Merle-Smith Campuses come alive during July and August for students age 3 through grade 12. Our sprawling green campuses are

home to camps and enrichment programs in the arts, sports, sciences, and more — designed and taught by our expert faculty or hosted by partner organizations.

Camp Highlight: Beyond the Outer Limits

Students joined science faculty at the Merle-Smith Campus for a week that was out of this world! (Or above it, at least!) Mr. Pomeroy and Mrs. Daniels joined forces and shared their passion for flight through a myriad of activities, projects, simulators, demonstrations, and surprises throughout the week. They explore aviation and rocketry as they consider

aspects of flight inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere! The biggest surprise came when local licensed pilot Rich Villone landed his Eurocopter 120B on the fields near the Athletic and Wellness Center! Campers got a close-up look at the helicopter, learning about the mechanics and physics that power these big flying machines!

Beloved Tradition Bookends the School Year

Downtown Campus Closing Chapels

On Thursday, June 9, 2022, and Friday, June 10, 2022, We were pleased to gather with families in Central Moravian Church as we ushered out the 2021-2022 school year as a community. We celebrated our students with our traditional Moving Up Ceremonies, as fifth grade and eighth grade made the transition to Middle and Upper School, respectively. Scan here to view the 2021-2022 Closing Chapels.

Hip Hip Hooray and Happy New Year!

Opening Chapel 2022-2023

On Friday, September 2, students, faculty, and staff from the Downtown and Merle-Smith campuses gathered together in Central Moravian Church for our traditional Opening Chapel. It was joyful to be together for the first time in three years, to make music together, and to raise our school flag together at the heart of the Downtown Campus.

In her first Chapel message, Head of School, Adrianne Finley Odell, reflected on reaching our unique potential: being ourselves and respecting others to be themselves, and in the process, creating a beloved community of belonging. She referenced the book Be You by Peter H. Reynolds, which encourages us to live a big life by being curious, adventurous, patient, brave, and ready.

School Chaplain, Rev. Jennifer Nichols, welcomed us to the space. Dylan Deal, Director of the Merle-Smith Campus, offered the Invocation. Bharti Krishnan ’30 led us in the School Prayer and Eric Weems '27 led a responsive reading from the Moravian Book of Worship. Our traditional Moravian Birthday Prayer was offered by our new Downtown Campus leaders, Dr. Abby Mahone, Director of the Downtown Campus, and Dr. Sara Vanderbeck and George Andriko, Assistant Directors of the Downtown Campus. Upper School Co-President Eli Zemsky '23 read from Galatians 6, including these verses:

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself or compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. What you plant, you will harvest. Our Associate Head of School, Dr. Armistead Webster, offered a Benediction from Pablo Casals, who wrote:

“Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique.... there has never been another you.... You have the capacity for anything... And as you grow up, you must never harm another who is, like you, a marvel. You must cherish one another. You must work, we must all work, to make this world worthy of its children.”

Following the Benediction, students and faculty processed to the flagpole, where the familiar words of our Alma Mater rang out joyfully. Upper School Co-President, Elena Tongg Weiler '23 raised the flags with first grader, Nolan Lal '34, and the celebration concluded with our annual shout: "Hip! Hip! Hooray, and have a great year!"

Watch a recording on the blog.

Celebrating World Champion Cyclists in Our Community

By Julia Fox Divya Verma ’24

Wins Cycling Gold, Breaks Record

Not only did Divya Verma ’24 take gold in every event in which she competed at the USA Junior Track National Championships, but she also broke the track record for junior women in the Flying 200 meters.

“After this year’s Junior Track Cycling Nationals, I felt like all of my hard work paid off,” said Verma. “Looking back, I am proud of all the training I put in and how I dealt with challenges and obstacles along the way. After a bad crash cut my competition short at nationals last year, I am happy that I was able to end the week with five National Championship titles.”

Her incredible performance earned her one of four slots to cycle on Team USA at the Junior World Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel. The World Championships were held from August 23-27, 2022, and Verma placed among the top 14 globally in each of her events: Junior Women - Sprint, Keirin, and 500m Time Trial.

“Wearing the stars and stripes was truly an amazing experience and one of the happiest moments of my life,” she says.

Camie Kornely Medals At UCI Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Merle-Smith Campus PE teacher Camie Kornely took home two gold, a silver, and a bronze medal at the 2022 UCI Masters Track Cycling World Championships held Saturday, September 24 - 29, 2022, in Los Angeles, CA.

Not only was this a comeback for the event itself, which was last held in 2019 due to the pandemic, but Kornely herself suffered a bad crash while competing in the 2019 Manchester championships, which resulted in her being stranded there for a few weeks.

“This first event after Covid and the crash was a meaningful win for me on a number of levels,” she says.

Like all good comeback stories, Kornely’s does not disappoint. In the 2022 championships, she won gold in the time trial and match sprints, silver in team pursuit, and bronze in team sprint.

Theatre Faculty Dazzle During Summer Performances at Northampton Community College and

by Julia Fox and Amanda Kulakowski Jarrod Yuskauskas: Director of Theatre Arts

Around campus, we know Jarrod Yuskauskas as our Director of Theatre Arts, but this summer he stepped out from behind the curtain as Rev. Shaw Moore in Footloose, Sterling in Jeffrey, and Nick Bottom in Something Rotten! as part of Summer Theatre at Northampton Community College (NCC).

The summer company is a professional one, comprised of community actors, Actors’ Equity members, and a number of college students and recent graduates pursuing musical theatre. “I’ve seen Jarrod interacting with all of them, onstage and off, and he’s a strong role model and mentor for them, both as actors and as people—which I’m sure doesn’t surprise you,” says Carol Burns, Marketing Director for Summer Theatre at NCC.

Playing “three such dynamic characters who could not possibly be more different” was a welcome challenge, something Jarrod hasn’t done since his “rep season days” at Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Philadelphia

Shakespeare Theatre. He says, “ The ‘thing’ I was reminded most from them and this experience is that maintaining your connection to the craft can only make you a stronger, kinder, more compassionate teacher and director.”

Kate Pistone: Swain Campus Music & Theatre Director

On the Swain Campus, Kate Pistone can be seen singing and dancing with our youngest learners and bringing musical scores to life as Music Director for our Swain theater productions. However, this summer, she took on a new role as a multi-faceted multi-character actor

Civic Theater

in Paula Vogel’s Indecent at the Civic Theater in Allentown.

Indecent, which features seven actors playing multiple roles, and three live musicians on stage, is a brilliant play that traces the trajectory of Sholem Asch’s 1907 play God of Vengeance through its successful tour in Europe to its abrupt and explosive demise on Broadway — including the arrest of the entire production’s cast and crew. Indecent is a truly captivating experience and a testament to the transformative power of art that is timelier than ever before.

Andie Burns ’10SS, ’14MA Brings Production Talent to Broadway

By Julia Fox

Andie Burns ’10SS, ’14MA played a major role in the theatre program as an actor and technician while she was a student. Fast forward, and she’s now taking her talent and passion to Broadway.

In November 2021, she joined the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co. as a D.C. production assistant for the now Tony Awardwinning show A Strange Loop. She says, “I worked alongside the deck stage manager to run a side of the stage and manage our crew. We had an extremely successful run at Woolly, but were of course victims to the Omicron surge running rampant through Washington D.C. as well as all over the country.”

When that stage manager became ill with COVID, Andie stepped up for the final week of the show’s D.C. run, managing the entire deck by herself. The show began its transition to Broadway in January 2022, and by March, Andie was tapped as a production assistant. She soaked up as much of the experience as possible, learning everything she could in case

she would need to fill in for other crew members.

She says:

During previews I began a stage manager contract in which I was ‘training’ to be a sub stage manager in case anyone on the team went down for any reason. What ended up happening is that I developed and synthesized the stage management cues on deck into a ‘One Deck Track,’ essentially building the track that stage management would use moving forward in the run.

A Strange Loop received 11 Tony nominations, which is the most for any show this year. It was the winner of Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical.

“Andie was such an integral part of the program at MA, bringing her multitude of talents to all aspects of production with a tireless work ethic,” says Jarrod Yuskauskas, Director of Theatre Arts at Moravian. “It’s no surprise to see her as a sought after member of tremendously successful production teams!”

By Darah Donaher

For the first time in two years, the curtains were opened on the McCann Center Stage for The Swain Campus production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. on March 17, 2022.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

The cast and crew put in hours of work to make this production a reality. Whether it was learning choreography, memorizing lines, painting flats, moving scenery, or the hundreds of other jobs it takes to put on a show, these students showed up and made it happen. In only 4.5 weeks, Beauty and the Beast Jr., came to life and wowed Swain audiences every night!

And the gray stuff, it really is delicious. Don’t believe us, ask Dr. Armistead Webster, who served it nightly on stage as a special guest performer!

Moravian Academy Names Adrianne Finley Odell Head of School

Installation Ceremony Set for April 14, 2024

Following a competitive national search process and upon the enthusiastic recommendation of the entire Search Committee, the Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed Adrianne Finley Odell’s appointment as Moravian Academy’s Head of School. With this announcement on September 23, 2022, Adrianne transitioned from her role of Interim Head of School, which she has held since July 1, to commence her tenure as our long-term Head of School.

The First Months

Since her appointment as Head of School, Adrianne has been focusing on learning about the people who have had a great impact on the school, both historically and currently. She has had the opportunity to meet with alumni, former faculty, former trustees, former Headmaster Barnaby Roberts, and the Devey Family. She is meeting individually with each faculty and staff member as well as every student in the senior class. Adrianne and her husband, Rich Odell, have enjoyed hosting many events at historic Benigna House where they live on the Merle-Smith Campus. They love the opportunity to bring the community together as we celebrate 280 years of Moravian

Academy history. Adrianne has already attended Family Association gatherings, Lovefeasts, Chapel, Coffeehouse, sporting events, musical performances, the Red & Gold Games, Country Fair, Founder’s Day, Halloween parades and more. “We have such a beautiful community at Moravian Academy, and there is so much to be proud of,” says Adrianne. “We have an incredible history and a bright future. I am honored and privileged to serve as the leader of a school that is equipping young people to innovate, think divergently, and collaborate with other pioneering minds to solve the complex problems of our time.”

To kick-start her tenure as Head of School, Adrianne collaborated with the Board of Trustees and leadership team to launch a school-wide survey to provide important data that will inform strategic planning in the second half of the year. The strategic plan will guide the school in the coming years as it aligns behind a shared vision for the future of Moravian Academy.

Celebrating Our New Head of School

Trustees Carole Devey Schacter ‘76 and Christine Perrrucci have been appointed by the Moravian Academy Board of Trustees to plan the Head of School Installation Ceremony to officially honor Adrianne Finley Odell as our new Head.

We encourage all to save the date of Friday April 14, 2023 at 10 o’clock in the morning for this special occasion that only happens a few times in the life of a school.

Students will be transported from the Downtown and Swain Campuses to the Merle-Smith Campus for the ceremony, which will be followed by lunch and a fun student-centered celebration in keeping with Adrianne’s vision that the event be one that is both fun and memorable for our students. We encourage everyone to save the date on their calendars for this community-wide event.

Dr. Abby Mahone, Ed.D Appointed to State Board of Private Academic Schools

By Julia Fox

In September 2022, Dr. Abby Mahone was appointed to the State Board of Private Academic Schools by the Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Eric Hagarty.

According to the Department of Education website: The Board’s duty is to approve or disapprove the initial and renewal licensure of private academic schools, to suspend or revoke the licensure of schools; to establish qualifications for teachers, professional staff and directors; to adopt Board policies and principles and to establish standards, rules and regulations.

One of the Board’s nine members, Dr. Mahone, who serves Moravian Academy as the Director of the Downtown Campus, will have a direct impact on the legislative process as it relates to private education at the state level. She brings to both of her roles two decades of education and leadership experience:

I am honored and excited to be appointed to the State Board of Private Academic Schools and to have the opportunity to help influence excellent teaching and learning across the state. My service on the Board and leadership on the Downtown Campus will be mutually beneficial and support my capacity to be successful in each role. The deep personal connections and experiences of working with the Moravian Academy community will certainly help me be a more conscientious and thoughtful advocate for private school education across the state while my increased knowledge and ability to shape state policy will also support my ability to be an effective administrator for our school.

Moravian Academy congratulates Dr. Mahone. We know her expertise, advocacy, and passion for fostering the unique potential of every student will be a positive influence on private school educators, students, and administrators throughout Pennsylvania.

DIrector of the Swain Campus Megan Franzyshen (right) and Assistant Director Dr. Sue Das

New members of our faculty and staff from across our three campuses gathered for orientation to kick-off employee Welcome Week in August 2022.

New Faces & Faces in New Places

Get to know the faculty and staff who joined our community for the 2022-2023 school year, and see which familiar faces are serving students and families in new roles.

New Faces

Name Role Campus

Sol Andrade Teacher, Spanish Substitute Merle-Smith

Ryan Berger Technology Specialist Downtown

Molly Cook Teacher, Spanish Immersion Program, Kindergarten Downtown

Anna Crerand Teacher, Seventh Grade Humanities Swain

Joseph Doucette Teacher Strings Downtown

Katie Farley-Barnes Teacher, Science Merle-Smith

Sarah Harshmann Teacher, Prek Collaborative Downtown Laura Jungblut Teacher, Mathematics Merle-Smith

Natalie Mendolia Teacher, Social Sciences And History And English Merle-Smith

Matt Peitzman Wood Studio Director And Resident Artist Merle-Smith

Lindsey Permar Teacher, Seventh Grade English Downtown Michael Regnet Teacher, Science Merle-Smith

Maritza Rios Teacher, Humanities And Language Downtown

Megan Roeder Teacher, Fourth Grade Downtown Leah Rubart Teacher, Kindergarten Collaborative Swain

Faces in New Places

Bud Brennan Teacher, English Merle-Smith

Erica Coverley Coordinator of Learning Services Merle-Smith

Lisa Dubreuil Co-Director of College Counseling and 12th Grade Dean Merle-Smith

Lindsay Lee School Counselor and Coordinator of Student Wellness Merle-Smith

Heather Manning Kindergarten Teacher Swain

Kyle Shaughnessy Co-Director of College Counseling and Head Lacrosse Coach Merle-Smith

Jarred Weaver Interim Assistant Director of the Merle-Smith Campus Merle-Smith

Director of the Downtown Campus Dr. Abby Mahone (center), Assistant Directors Dr. Sara Vanderbeck (left) and George Andriko (right)

Director of the Merle-Smith Campus Dylan Deal (right) and Interim Assistant Director Jarred Weaver

Faculty & Staff Milestones

Between them, our faculty and staff who celebrated a milestone year of service at the conclusion of 2021-2022 have given an incredible 325 years to our school. We recognized them during a ceremony at our Closing Meeting held at the Swain Campus on June 15, 2022. Here, they are pictured together by their home campus. The full list of honorees is below, including those who are not pictured.

30 Years

Sara Polefka

Rob Riker 25 Years

Lee Gaudreau Beth Matlock Susan Parent 20 Years Kevin Ferdinand Abigail Monahan 15 Years

Melika Matlack

Brad Pomeroy Karin Reger

10 Years

Richard Fanning Kyle Shaughnessy

Joseph Reger

5 Years

Kathy Bulman

Lara Cesco-Cancian

Brian Crowe

Dylan Deal

Kati Focht

Christal Harding

Jeffrey Haviland

Angie Lande

Melissa Larusso

Sarah Locke

Scott McClary

Chase Morrison

Patricia Ruffing

Gabriel Velazquez

Marc Yerrington

L to R: Brad Pomeroy (15 years), Melika Matlack (15 years)

L to R: Kathy Bulman (5 years), Marc Yerrington (5 years)

L to R: Gabriel Velazquez (5 year), Kati Focht (5 years), Angie Lande (5 years), Christal Harding (5 years)

L to R: Beth Matlock (25 years), Sara Polefka (30 years), Susan Parent (25 years)

L to R: Lara Cesco-Cancian (5 years), Kyle Shaughnessy (10 years), Kevin Ferdinand (20 years), Dylan Deal (5 years)

L to R: Abigail Monahan (20 years), Karin Reger (15 years), Joseph Reger (10 years)

St. Luke’s Expands Sports Medicine Partnership with Moravian Academy

By Bob Zaiser

St. Luke’s University Health Network and Moravian Academy are pleased to announce a partnership that will provide comprehensive sports medicine and health care services for the Moravian Academy family.

"The unique potential of this partnership, especially in terms of what it offers students, is truly exciting," Adrianne Finley Odell, Head of School at Moravian Academy, said. "As we're already seeing, amazing things happen when two premier Lehigh Valley institutions come together with a shared commitment to our communities."

The 10-year contract includes integrated health care components beyond the traditional sports medicine field, representing an extension of a strong partnership that was formed in 2016.

As the Lehigh Valley’s largest sports medicine provider and a Top 100 Teaching Hospital, St. Luke’s is uniquely positioned to provide the services and educational offerings requested by Moravian Academy, said John Hauth, Senior Network Administrator for Sports Medicine at St. Luke’s.

“One of the strengths of our sports medicine program is the access to our team of fellowship-trained physicians, licensed

Athletic Trainers, sports performance coaches and physical therapists. In addition, we have integrated our outstanding colleagues in medical education, community health and preventative medicine as well as behavioral medicine/health to further strengthen this relationship.”

The contract expands the traditional sports-related components with a health wellness aspect.

"We are excited to continue and strengthen our partnership with St. Luke's,” Manny Oudin, Director of Athletics for Moravian Academy, said. “Our athletic programs, student-athletes and coaches have greatly benefited from our relationship. We look forward to the next series of opportunities for our athletic programs, the development of educational programming for our community, and the evolution of additional partnerships between Moravian Academy and St. Luke's.”

Hauth said St. Luke’s is working with its partners to promote a “fit for life” vision, creating opportunities for individuals of all ages to stay physically active. “The collaboration with Moravian Academy will result in facilities and programming that will support this vision,” he said. “We are doing everything we can to prevent illness and injuries in this school community.”

Students Dissect Human Cadavers at Venel Institute

By Wendy Sheetz

On Monday, May 16, 25 Anatomy & Physiology students had the unique opportunity to visit the Venel Institute in Bethlehem. They experienced a human cadaver shoulder/ elbow/hand dissection. This amazing educational experience was made possible by the school’s partnership with St. Luke’s Sports Medicine and our athletic director, Manny Oudin.

Dr. Gregory Carolan, a St. Luke’s orthopedic sports medicine physician and a Moravian Academy parent, led the students through the dissection. Dr. Carolan allowed students to assist him as well if they wanted. We had many students that were quick to volunteer for a chance to learn from a human cadaver arm and such a talented physician.

Dr. Carolan started the morning with a discussion about human cadavers and those who donate their bodies to science. He also shared a little history about the cadaver that would be examined in the lab during our dissection. The students also shared their future interests in science and medicine with Dr. Carolan before changing into scrubs and heading into the lab.

Once in the lab, the students were outfitted for the dissection. Dr. Carolan explained the anatomy and physiology of the human shoulder, elbow, and hand during the dissection. The dissection lasted for about 90 minutes with most students participating at some point in the actual dissection.

Following the dissection, Dr. Carolan had a video on shoulder repair surgery (his specialty) to share with students as well. Overall, this was an amazing experience for our students to conclude their study of human anatomy and physiology this school year.

Donors Made It Happen!

By Susan Parent

Annual giving reached new heights and met its $550,000 goal for the 20212022 school year. This outpouring of generosity is a clear indication of our three-campus community’s confidence of and commitment to Moravian

Academy. We received over 1,555 gifts totaling over $560,000!

Gratitude to our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends runs deep. Students benefit exponentially because of the philanthropic support of our

What if I Told You?

By Bob Zaiser

If I told you that you could increase your donation to Moravian Academy or one of its three campuses (Downtown, Swain, Merle-Smith) tenfold without personally giving more money, would you be interested?

What if I shared with you that you could possibly gain tax credits against your state tax liability through a donation to the school, would you be interested? What if you could increase your gift to Moravian Academy while not really paying any additional money? What if you could impact

community members. Donors have positioned the 2022-23 school year with more resources to create exceptional experiences for our learners. Every gift is a vote of confidence. For this we are sincerely thankful.

the school’s financial situation by helping with financial assistance? The EITC Pennsylvania Tax Credit Program makes all of this available to residents of Pennsylvania. In 2021-22, more than 50 parents at Moravian Academy participated in this program, donating more than $1.4 million. If you are interested in hearing more about the EITC program at Moravian Academy, please contact Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement at bzaiser@mamail.net or by phone at 610-332-5291.

New Endowed Funds at Moravian Academy

By Bob Zaiser

In the 2021-22 academic year, several new endowed funds were established, and we are thankful for the generosity of several families

THE ANNE CHASE and PATRICIA ANNE CHASE ’71P FINANCIAL AID FUND

Established in 2021 through the generosity of Patricia Anne Chase ’71P, The Anne Chase and Patricia Anne Chase ’71P Financial Aid Fund has been given to Moravian Academy in loving memory of Pat Chase’s mother, Anne Chase, a single mom who worked hard to give Pat the best foundation possible for a better life, this scholarship endowment fund is dedicated to giving the same opportunity to other children of non-traditional families.

DR. KEVIN FALLON KLINE ‘90 MORNING STAR SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Dr. Kevin Fallon Kline ’90 Morning Star Scholarship Fund for financial assistance was established in 2021. The annual withdrawal from this fund shall be used to support financial assistance for a student on Moravian Academy’s Downtown Campus. The scholarship recipient should reflect Kevin’s characteristics which include interests in writing and music, and has an appreciation for the exceptional education offered at Moravian Academy.

THE JONATHAN P. & CONSTANCE KRUM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Established in 2022 through the generosity of Constance Krum, Clayton Krum ‘98MA and Katie Krum ’00MA, The

Jonathan P.

has been given to Moravian Academy in loving memory of Jon Krum, a father who was steadfastly focused on providing Clayton and Katie with an exceptional education, so that as he explained “they would have the opportunity to reach their highest potential.” Just as Jon and Connie wanted for their kids, this endowed financial assistance fund is dedicated to giving children education opportunities that grow their dreams and ambitions to greater heights.

THE CHRIN FAMILY INNOVATION FUND

The Fund was established in 2022 by Greg and Caryn Chrin, Michelle, Chrin, Charlie Chrin ’08MA, and Greg Chrin ’10MA and is intended to inspire innovation at Moravian Academy. It supports the part of the Academy’s mission that states, “Moravian Academy’s mission empowers us to become limitless learners as we discover new ideas and create new selfexpressions.” The definition of innovation is the development of a new idea or method and the funds will be used to inspire both faculty and students to be limitless learners.

Special endowed funds can be established at Moravian in collaboration with school leaders and with the approval of the Board of Trustees through a gift of $25,000 which can be paid over time. If you are interested in starting an endowed fund at Moravian Academy, please contact Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement at bzaiser@mamail.net or by phone at 610-332-5291.

& Constance Krum Financial Assistance Fund

Faculty Enrich Lessons on Immigration

Thanks to The Maron Grant

By Bob Zaiser

The Maron Travel/Study Grant program is made possible through the generosity of an endowed gift from parents of alumni Monica and Norman Maron. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance for faculty members to travel and broaden their professional work. This year’s recipients were Melissa Gaiser, Sarah Kleppinger, and Domenic DiMenichi

Fourth grade teachers at the Swain Campus, Melissa Gaiser and Sarah Kleppinger, visited the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Liberty Science Museum.

They started the day at Liberty State Park in New Jersey catching a ferry to Ellis Island, then explored the museum. They also had the Hard Hat Tour of the hospitals at Ellis Island. They ferried to the Statue of Liberty, climbed up to the pedestal, and then investigated the museum. The day ended with the ferry ride back to New Jersey and a quick stop to visit the Liberty Science Museum.

The knowledge from the excursion was used back in the classroom. Fourth grade at the Swain Campus discusses U.S. immigration, specifically peak immigration years and in addition to going on a field trip to New York/New Jersey, the students usually watch videos, view pictures, and go on virtual field trips. Ms. Gaiser and Ms. Kleppinger shared real photographs and videos of their experience into the classroom, especially the Hard Hat Tour of Ellis Island, which is only accessible online for groups. The teachers used the pictures and videos to create a more realistic experience for the students.

Gaining additional knowledge about immigration and sharing their observations allowed the teachers to tailor aspects of their experience to the curriculum and provide a deeper understanding of the course content. While it is easy to find pictures and videos on the Internet, having first-hand experience and stories enriches students’ knowledge.

A Maron Grant allowed Downtown Campus teacher Domenic DiMenichi to visit San Francisco and experience immigration from a different coast. Mr. DiMenichi stated that “when people think of San Francisco, they often think of the Golden Gate Bridge enveloped in thick fog.”

His main reason for exploring San Francisco was to visit Angel Island where there is an immigration station that housed many immigrants who had arrived in San Francisco after the great earthquake of 1906. Many of the immigrants that were housed on Angel Island for months or years were Chinese. Walking through the barracks that have been preserved, he could see the belongings of these people on bunks and read the stories of so many immigrants who came to America for a better life. On the walls of many rooms, beautiful Chinese

poetry is carved into the walls — poetic longings for new life. Mr. Domenichi took many pictures and videos and has shared these with his students to help them empathize with the immigrant experience on the west coast and add to students’ overall understanding of immigration in the United States. Mr. DiMenichi stated that he had other experiences. “I have so many more experiences that I want to share with my students like going to the Chinese Historical Society and learning about Bruce Lee or the peace tower in Japantown. A story I want to share with my students is about walking in Chinatown and ending up in a museum I didn’t know about that talked about Chinese American soldiers that fought in World War II.”

$45,000 Raised at 2022 Golf Outing and Pickleball Tournament

Not even the cold and rain could dampen the spirits of the more than 84 brave golfers who endured weather to enjoy the 15th annual Golf Outing and Pickleball Tournament at Lehigh Country Club on October 3, 2022. This year’s winners of the first prize lowest score for golf were parents Greg Carolan, Shawn Brown, Matt Petrozelli, and Jonathan Mull.

Our Pickleball Tournament winners were Tom Nowicke in first place, and Regina Carolan in second place. Special thanks to our Golf and Pickleball Committee chaired by Greg and Regina Carolan. More than $45,000 was raised for the school through this effort.

View the full photo album on the blog.

Step back into the 1920s at this year’s Benefit for Moravian Academy on April 29, 2023, at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in South Bethlehem. Join us for this special fundraising event where we’ll raise money for technology upgrades, faculty salaries and benefits, financial assistance, and special projects that enhance the educational experience of the students on all three campuses. Learn more at www.moravianacademy.org/Benefit.

Community Rallies for 53rd Annual Country Fair

By Bob Zaiser

The 53rd annual Country Fair was held on October 1, 2022. Although the forecast was quite dreary, we lucked out and were able to enjoy the activities without much rain under cloudy skies. More than 600 people registered for the activities. Once again this year, children enjoyed the rock wall, several bouncy houses, and the traditional grade booths. We had several food trucks, including the Taste Smokers, a

restaurant owned by our parents, Veronica Moore and Quartez Moore. We had several craft vendors as well. We are grateful to our chairs, Kimberly Krupka, Lea Iorio, Lisa Suppan, and our Advancement staff for coordinating a fantastic event. We are also thankful to all of the countless volunteers who manned booths and made the fair such a memorable experience and a tremendous success.

Reunion 2022

By Bob Zaiser

More than 150 alumni and special guests descended upon the Downtown and Merle-Smith Campuses on Friday, September 30, through Sunday, October 2. Alumni were treated to such events such as a cocktail party at Benigna House to meet our new Head of School Adrianne Finley Odell. At the Country Fair, alumni enjoyed a special luncheon and honored the newest Honorary Alumnus Bill Caldwell, and our Distinguished Alumna Peggy Peters Cook, class of 1977MA. A special dessert was served at Snyder House for all alumni especially from the Moravian Seminary for Girls and a special

reception was held downtown for alumni celebrating 50+ years since graduating. Brunch was held for alumni at the Hotel Bethlehem on Sunday.

After the end of the weekend, an alumna from the 1960s shared that “there have been some terrific additions to the campus and I am so thankful for the education my parents afforded me and the life-long friendships I’ve maintained.” A special thanks goes to all of the alumni who attended and our Alumni Association Reunion Committee which made all of the events and activities possible. See more photos on the blog

Coast to Coast ALUMNI FROM

By Susan Parent

Moravian Academy alumni continue to gather around the country to reminisce and reconnect. In April, Colorado alumni met in and around Denver to share their stories about outdoor hobbies, occupations, community projects and current commitments and connections to Moravian.

Then in May, we continued Coast to Coast visits in Florida from Orlando to Tampa, Naples to Miami. Rich in Moravian history, alumni from Moravian Seminary for Girls, Moravian Preparatory School, and Moravian Academy effusively spoke about their experiences from the 1950 through 2021! The culture they experienced nurtured mind, body, and spirit, and they are pleased to know that our three-campus Moravian community continues to prosper and grow.

New York City continues to be a great gathering spot for east coast alumni. Young people with occupations running the gamut -- attorneys, business, bankers--turned out to stay connected, which is important to our alumni.

Be on the lookout for more alumni gatherings in the Boston area, North Carolina, and California in the coming months!

Class

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS FOR THE NEXT ISSUE!

We love to help you celebrate your milestones. Send us a quick note and a picture if you have one and we’ll include your news in the next issue of the Moravian Academy Journal.

Swain Campus alumni, we look forward to featuring your notes in future issues! Be sure to share your news with us!

Send submissions to: bzaiser@mamail.net

1961

Priscilla Long ’61S shared that “I am a writer and poet based in Seattle. I am also a longtime independent teacher of writing. My forthcoming book, my seventh, is a book about thriving in old age, Dancing with the Muse in Old Age (Epicenter Coffeetown, pub date Nov. 8, 2022). My previous books include a history of coal mining in the United States, two books of poems, and a book of memoirist essays from the University of Georgia Press. I am also the author of the how-to-write book, The Writer’s Portable Mentor (University of New Mexico Press). For more info, www.priscillalong.com”

1988

Angelo F. Campano ’88MA, owner of Campano Law Group, has been voted Antelope Valley’s Best Attorney for 2022. The Antelope Valley is a community north of Los Angeles with over 500,000 residents. Campano Law Group is a boutique litigation law firm focusing on personal injury and employment matters with offices in Los Angeles, Orange, and Monterey County.

2003

Gillian Kindel ’03MA wrote “In April, six childhood friends from the class of 2003 reunited in Sonoma, CA. It was

the first time in 10 years we were all together in person. We’ve stayed in close touch over the years by attending each other’s weddings, meeting babies, and texting all the time. It was a very special opportunity to reconnect and we’re already planning our next trip!”

Photographed left to right is Shailee Viroja, Gillie Kindel, Nishali Rose, Cherise Hendershot, Maddy Ofrichter, and Anita Thomas

2007

Olga Sklyarova ’07MA was named one of Lehigh Valley’s 2022 Forty Under 40 Honorees. The awards recognize Lehigh Valley’s leaders who are under the age of 40 based on their professional accomplishments,

community service and commitment to inspiring change. Olga is an innovative finance professional with extensive experience in budgeting, management reporting, business model design, data analysis and visualization, and leading cross-functional projects for process improvement and implementation. Driven by a desire for continuous improvement, she has a passion for translating financial information into valuable insights to drive well-informed decision making. In addition to her primary job functions on the Corporate Finance team at Fannie Mae, Olga is knowledgeable in organization development practices, behavioral science and management principles, and stands out as a strategic thinker and trusted business partner.

Priscilla Long ’61S Olga Sklyarova ’07MA

Gillian Kindel ’03MA

2008

Rachel Large ’08MA recently got engaged to her fiance, Ryan Heiserman, earlier this year. They are planning a wedding for October next year.

2009

Samantha Khan ’09MA wrote “At the beginning of 2022 I started my own coaching and consulting business! I’ve been working for multinational companies in varying HR roles over the last decade and I decided to leave last year to go out on my own to launch Lighthaus Coaching. I’m a life and leadership coach for high achieving women who feel stuck and unfulfilled in their lives and are looking for something more. I work with them using traditional coaching methodologies like listening, reflecting and goal setting and energetic healing practices to address subconscious beliefs and blocks and help my clients create an intentional

life they love. You can find out more at lighthauscoaching.org where you can sign up for a newsletter and upcoming events or follow me on iG @lighthaus_coaching.

2010

2012

Mallory Zondag ’12MA was commissioned by the artist Amalia Mesa-Bains to create a large scale textile piece for her upcoming retrospective show at the Berkley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.

2013

Angela Zaladonis ’13MA graduated from Temple University School of Medicine. Angela’s father Joseph Zaladonis wrote “Angela is going to become a Dermatologist upon

completion of her residency in Dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. I am proud that she will be the third generation of Dr Zaladonis. Thanks for your guidance along the way. Moravian Academy helped provide the foundation to succeed. Feel free to share this good news.”

2014

Nicollette Amico ’14MA just finished her MFA at Roehampton University in London. After graduating from Muhlenberg College, she moved to London and completed a one-year certificate in Circus Arts through Kent University and the London National Circus. She then completed her Master of Fine Arts in Dance in May ’22. She plans to stay in London and audition for dance and circus companies in the UK and Europe.

Samantha Khan ’09MA

Jordan Will-Weber Hollander ‘10MA Nicollette Amico ’14MA

Rachel Large ’08MA

Jordan Will-Weber Hollander ‘10MA got married in Mexico in March 2022

2016

Nilaya Knafo ’16MA shared “I recently graduated from Yale University where I earned my Master of Arts in Religion. My husband and I also recently welcomed our daughter to the world.”

2017

Mya Tucker ’17MA shared “I recently just passed my exam to become a Certified Personal Trainer”

2018

Nickolas Boylan ’18MA shared that he graduated from William & Mary with a degree in Philosophy and Biology. He is now a PhD student in philosophy at University of California, Davis.

Hannah Katz ’18MA shared that “In December, 2021 I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Moravian University, having majored in both Political Science

and Criminal Justice & Law. During my time at Moravian University, I was accepted into the Honors Research Program. In this year-long undertaking, I wrote a thesis that explores the extent to which we, as political subjects, are expected to sacrifice our “inalienable” rights when public health is threatened. It is entitled, “The Individual Within the Collective: Liberty in the Face of Public Health Crises; A Comparative Analysis Between Politicization of the AIDS and COVID-19 Pandemics”. I was awarded Honors in Political Science for my work. Currently, I am pursuing my Juris Doctor at the Pennsylvania State University Law School, as my life-long goal has been to serve as an advocate for others. In the future, I plan to open a non-profit organization that seeks to provide shelter placements and legal counsel to domestic violence victims. I will be graduating with my law degree in 2025.”

2019

Elizabeth Burke ’19MA was awarded and selected for the Hanna Holborn Gray Fellowship at Bryn Mawr College, which will support research in the humanities and the humanistic social sciences.

Claire Hylton ’19MA was awarded the Elizabeth S. Shippen Scholarship in Foreign Language at Bryn Mawr College. It is awarded to a junior whose major is French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Russian, or Spanish for excellence in the study of foreign languages.

2021

Grace Sanborn ’21MA was named honorable mention for the Patriot League Women’s Golfer Of The Week.

Mya Tucker ’17MA

Hannah Katz ’18MA

Nilaya Knafo ’16MA

John W. “Jack” Jacob

John “Jack” Jacob, Honorary Alumnus and former Director of Financial Affairs, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 83. Jack served Moravian Academy for over 35 years at an important transition in our school’s history. He is survived by his wife, Karen, to whom he was married for almost 60 years, his two children, John Jacob ’84MA and Amy (Jacob) Connolly ’88MA, and four grandchildren.

Jack earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Business Administration from Moravian College in 1961, then served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves. He began his Moravian career in 1970 as Acting Business Manager, overseeing the merger of Moravian Seminary for Girls and Moravian Preparatory School. He became the Director of Financial Affairs for the newly-formed Moravian Academy, and served in that position until his retirement in 2005. He also served as a consultant to the National Association of Independent Schools, the Academy for Educational Development, and Salem College; as a Board

member and officer of the Moravian Widow’s Society, the Moravian Church, Eastern District Commission on Christian Education, the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, and Alternative House; and as a member and director of the Bethlehem Rotary and Lions International. He was a lifelong member of the Moravian Church.

Jack enjoyed music, golf, reading, travel, and feeding the birds, but his greatest loves were his family and friends. A Memorial Service for Jack took place on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church. Please visit the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home website to read a full obituary or to record a memorial tribute for the Jacob family. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Jack’s memory may be made to Moravian Academy and designated to the Karen and Jack Jacob Fund for Faculty and Staff Salaries, and/or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Let us hold Karen, John and Amy in the light, along with all who knew and loved Jack.

Alumni/ae Deaths

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WE HAVE LOST.

Jacqueline Klein Fink ’49S

June 11, 2022

Renae Rogers Lillie ’55S July 20, 2022

Frederick D. Stocker ’44P

October 3, 2022

Helene Whitaker ’67S June 22, 2022

Moravian Academy

11 West Market Street

Bethlehem, PA 18018

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Mark Your Calendar Upcoming Events

To view a full list of events, visit www.moravianacademy.org/calendar.

December 19-30, 2022 Winter Break, School Closed

January 2, 2023 School Resumes

January 19, 2023 State of the School Address

January 28, 2023 Family Association Parent/Guardian Casino Night

March 3, 2023 International Festival for All Families

March 13-24, 2023 Spring Break, School Closed

April 29, 2023 The Benefit for Moravian Academy

June 2, 2023 Baccalaureate

June 3, 2023

June 8, 2023

June 9, 2023

Commencement (Merle-Smith Campus)

Last Day of School: Downtown (PS-5), Swain (PS-3)

Last Day of School Downtown (6-8), Swain (4-8), Merle-Smith (9-11)

Our Community Welcomes You!

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Connect with our Admissions team to discover how Moravian Academy fosters the unique potential of every student.

Visit our website to:

• Schedule a campus visit

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• See application deadlines

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Follow @moravianacademy for a glimpse of the vibrant everyday life and learning that happens at the Downtown, Swain, and Merle-Smith Campus.