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Around Our Campus
“We thank Jeff for his visionary leadership over the last six years and for invigorating Moravian with a ‘Culture of Curiosity.’ With Jeff’s direction, we have made strong and innovative progress under unprecedented circumstances. The Swain/Moravian merger has had a positive impact on our community and our ability to be the premier school destination for students, families, and educators. We have defined and launched a new student-centered vision and mission for the school. Once-in-a-generation upgrades have been made in inconspicuous but essential areas like insurance, information systems, and management of our endowment. And under Jeff’s guidance, the administration and faculty have worked tirelessly to keep our students learning and developing through a global pandemic. Jeff has been instrumental in these achievements, and we appreciate all he has done for the benefit of our students and school.”
— Chris Weiler
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Chair of the Board of Trustees
The Search for a New Head of School Begins
After six incredible years serving as a visionary Head of School, Jeff Zemsky will say goodbye to Moravian Academy at the end of the 20212022 school year. He shares the following message with our community.
It has been an honor and a pleasure to lead this school for the past six years. After extensive reflection with my family, I have come to the decision that this will be my final year as head of school of Moravian Academy. While there are rarely natural or easy times for such transitions, I believe now is the time for me to refresh and expand my personal mission and for our school to continue its journey forward with fully energized leadership.
This is a season of change for many of us, including for leaders, as we seek ways to recover and restart from the hard but rewarding work of leading communities through unprecedented times of a global pandemic and social awakenings. I have always seen my work as a calling and have been proud to answer the call at Moravian. My goal has been to preserve and strengthen timeless Moravian values while also engaging in continuous,
sustained improvement to reshape the future of the school for the world our children are inheriting. Pursuing this vision has meant deepening our student-centered practices, promoting collaboration and authentic learning, integrating social and emotional learning with academic learning, and taking professional innovation to new levels. It has also meant forming new partnerships between diverse community members who share a belief that education should be transformative.
These initiatives have grown across our school into a shared love for curiosity. It is here at Moravian that the habits of learning are celebrated as the highest and longest-lasting purpose of going to school. It is here at Moravian where there is a home for all those who seek to know what they do not yet know and who remain perpetually fascinated by new ideas and perspectives.
I cherish what I have learned here about giving space to new people and perspectives alongside our traditions and established ideas. This tenet of our Moravian heritage provides a valuable context for the signature challenges of our time: how to be connectors, to listen to diverse viewpoints, to have courageous conversations, and to assemble coalitions of the passionate and the ambitious. This is also the foundation of our school: three individual school campuses and cultures that are united by a shared mission and purpose for learning.
I will hold with me the bright memories of music at Vespers, virtue presentations in the Old Chapel, Coffeehouses at Merle Smith, the joyous students running in the doors at Swain, and the roar of the Moravian crowd during the playoffs. And while I believe this is the right time for our school, my family, and me, my heart is nonetheless heavy as I share this news. I am as enthusiastic as ever about our school’s future, starting with a return of community gatherings and traditions this spring. I am excited to travel with the 8th graders to New Mexico over spring break and to see the Class of 2022 graduate in June. I look forward to a smooth transition and setting the interim head up for success.
I want to send my deepest thanks to everyone who has offered support, kindness, and encouragement to me, Courtney, and our children, Eli and Jo. Thank you for your advice and support in all forms, during even our most challenging times. I want to thank the Board of Trustees for their support and for their visionary stewardship of our school. I am grateful to have worked alongside incredible educators whose passion and dedication will always be inspiring.
Sincerely,
The Next Steps
We will start a thoughtful, thorough, and national search for our next permanent head to join Moravian in July 2023. The Search Steering Committee is co-chaired by Lori Schoeneman, Board Vice-Chair, and Amy Ahart, Trustee. Upon recommendation of the Search Steering Committee, the Board has engaged Resource Group 175 to support the interim and permanent Head of School searches.
Portraits of a Learner
The work to define the distinct character, philosophies, and practices that bring our mission and vision to life on each campus continues. As we develop the Portrait of a Learner on the Downtown, Swain, and Merle-Smith Campus using the feedback we received from our community, we are excited to find the next leader who will unite and uphold the differing identities of our school.
Jeff Zemsky Head of School TO LEARN MORE, VISIT: www.moravianacademy.org/headofschoolsearch
Introducing Adrianne Finley Odell
Interim Head of School
Beginning July 1, 2022, Adrianne Finley Odell will join Moravian Academy as the Interim Head of School for the 2022-23 school year. Get to know Adrianne in her message to our community.
Learn more about Adrianne, her background and experience, and the search for the next Head of School by scanning the code or visiting www.moravianacademy.org/headofschoolsearch. It is an absolute honor to be named as the Interim Head of School of Moravian Academy for the 2022-2023 school year, during the school’s 280th anniversary. I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead a school whose history includes being descended from the first school for girls in the American colonies, established by a 16-year-old Countess, Benigna Von Zinzendorf, as well as the vision of D. Esther Swain who launched the Swain School in 1929, 187 years after Countess Benigna realized her vision.
Moravian teachers are masterful educators who are united across three campuses to support young people during some of the most important years of their lives as they answer the questions, “Who am I and who can I become?” I am excited to partner with Moravian’s dedicated and talented teachers and staff to continue inspired programs such as the Comenius Project, Spanish Immersion, and Outdoor Education.
It is a privilege to serve as a school leader in these complex and transformative times. I believe the ultimate purpose of school is to provide an inspired environment for young people to acquire a love of learning through authentic experiences, to gain a deep understanding of themselves and others, and to build confidence to make their own unique contributions to the world.
In partnership to support our limitless learners realize their unique potential,
Adrianne Finley Odell Interim Head of School-Elect
Dr. Armistead Webster
Named Associate Head of School
Dr. Armistead Webster, previously Head of The Swain School, has been promoted to the position of Associate Head of Moravian Academy beginning July 1, 2022.
Moravian Academy is a large school with three campuses and almost 1,000 students. Armistead will provide additional support to our school, provide continuity of leadership with the planned Head changes in the next two years, and is an excellent educator and leader from whom our entire community will benefit.
Armistead has deep experience in both the classroom and school administration. He began his career in education as an elementary teacher in New York and Colorado before becoming an administrator. After holding two public school principalships, he moved into independent education to become Lower School Principal at the Norwood School (PK-8) in Maryland. Armistead remained there for eleven years before being appointed Head of School at Renbrook School (PK-9) in Connecticut. In 2014 he became Lower School Head at Gilman School (PK-12) in Baltimore before being appointed the Head of The Swain School in 2020.
Campus Directors
Who will lead our campuses in 2022-23 and beyond? We welcome Dr. Abby Mahone to the Downtown Campus, celebrate the promotion of Megan Franzyshen to Director of the Swain Campus, and continue under the steady leadership of Dylan Deal at the Merle-Smith Campus.
Dr. Abby Mahone Director of the Downtown Campus
Megan Franzyshen
Director of the Swain Campus
Dylan Deal
Director of the Merle-Smith Campus
Red & Gold Games Day Returns
After a year-long hiatus from the traditional field day, the Red & Gold Games returned in full force. Our amazing team captains kept the school spirit running high, bringing the hype as Downtown Campus students joined them and the rest of the Upper Schoolers on the Merle-Smith Campus.
By Julia Fox
“Kudos to the seniors,” said Head of School Jeff Zemsky. “Many of whom lived out a dream they’ve had since first grade.”
After a morning and afternoon of friendly competition, we are proud to announce that the 2022 winner by a margin of only two points is the Red Team! Congratulations! We are proud of every single member of both the Red and the Gold teams for their good sportsmanship. You all truly have the Heart of the Lions.
A huge thank you goes to Manny Oudin, Becky Miller, and the entire physical education team for planning the games. We are greatly appreciative of our faculty, too, for making the Red & Gold comeback one our students won’t forget.
Christmas Vespers 2021
Moravian Academy rang in the holiday season in love and light.
Moravian Academy held its 2021 Upper School Vespers Service in Central Moravian Church and streamed it live for the community. On Thursday, December 9, at 7 PM, an in-person service returned for members of the Merle-Smith Campus.
On Wednesday, December 15, the Downtown Campus watched a pre-recorded Christmas Vespers Service together as it was streamed live for our community.
Thank you to the many members of our school who made this year’s Vespers possible and to the families and alumni who joined us virtually.
< Our 2021 Morning Star Soloists (from L to R): AJ Williams ’29,
Katherine Anthony ’29, Lucia Scott ’29, Addison Johnson ’29,
Desi Hernandez ’29, Sebastian Pascuzzi ’29, Shafiq Sharif ’29, Fayzaan Jali ’29
2022 National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists
By Lisa Dubreuil
Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
Seven Moravian Academy students have qualified as finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. Please join us in recognizing the following students for this tremendous achievement:
YiYi Chen ’22
Sebastian Holbrook ’22
Christian Manja ’22 Anna Mayer ’22 Samit Mohapatra ’22 Favor Ufondu ’22
Theodor Urban ’22
Rohan Mehta ’23 Named World Science Scholar
By Julia Fox
The World Science Scholars (WSS) program, an initiative of the World Science Festival, announces its newest and largest class, with 48 young Scholars from 16 countries. Rohan Mehta ’23 has made the exclusive list.
These exceptionally talented mathematical minds will have an unparalleled opportunity to apply their abilities to unexplored disciplines. Led by world-renowned experts, Scholars examine the ways that advanced mathematics skills can be applied to solve complex challenges in a wide range of multidisciplinary fields. The Scholars will begin a two-year journey of learning and discovery with WSS faculty, including Nobel and Breakthrough Prize winners, bestselling authors, and experts working at the cutting edge of their fields. Faculty members include renowned physicist and author Brian Greene, pioneering cardiologist and evolutionary biologist Barbara Naterson-Horowitz, trailblazing computer scientist Stephen Wolfram, Breakthrough Prize winner Cumrun Vafa, innovative biochemist Mandë Holford, Nobel Laureate Barry Barish, and many more. With the program now in its fourth year, the 2021 cohort brings the total number of Scholars to 150 students from 25 countries, with 74 active Scholars and 76 alumni. Upon completion of the program, Scholars become members of a growing alumni network who maintain bonds, help support future cohorts by serving as mentors, and provide informal college advice to new Scholars. Through the growing alumni network and mentorship opportunities, students are able to create an educational and social community of talented individuals that will extend well into the future.
Students Excel at the Pennsylvania
By JoAnne Daniels, Debbie Lindsay, Peter Kish, and Wendy Sheetz
Students on the Swain, Downtown, and Merle-Smith Campus presented their Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) projects at Northampton Community College. Here are the results:
SWAIN CAMPUS
SWAIN CAMPUS WINNERS:
Emma Estrada ’27
Effect of Temperature on a Solar Powered Phone Charger first place
Joshua Goldberg ’27
How Does Temperature Affect the Bounce of a Ball? first place
Olivia Laible-Warner ’27
The Effect of Cocoa on the Melting Time of Chocolate first place
Joe Sixsmith ’27
Does Your Drink Conduct Electricity? first place
Toler Wreaks ’27
Effect of Disinfectant Wipes on Bacterial Growth first place
Abbie Criscuolo ’26
Comparative Absorbency of Various Fabrics first place
Murathime Daisley ‘26
Which is the Best Method of Purifying Water? first place
Jacob Ellis ‘26
Which is the Best Method for Baking Cheesecakes? second place
Julie Feliciano ‘26
The Bacterial Growth on Various Type of Masks first place, perfect
Justin Jankowski ‘26
The Heat Absorption of Various Colors first place
PERFECT
Virginia Kraus ‘26
The Antibacterial Effects of Different Types of Honey first place, perfect
Tyler Shankweiler ‘26
The Effect of Mass on the Distance a Car Travels first place
PERFECT
*Student also presented project in the Lehigh Valley Science and Engineering Fair. Many students are being invited to present their projects in person at Penn State (State College) from Sunday, May 15 to Tuesday, May 17. We are so proud of our students and their projects!
Junior Academy of Science Fair
DOWNTOWN CAMPUS WINNERS:
Anika Mehta ’27*
Mathematical Models For The Spread of COVID-19 first place
Vivian John ’27*
How Different Types of Liquids Affect the Way Radish Plants Grow first place
Maddie Yang ’27
How Does the Material of a Bowl Affect the Melting Rate of Ice Cream? first place
Jonathan Kim ’27
How Do Different Launch Angles Affect Flight? first place
James FitzRandolph ’27
Does a Ball’s Mass Affect the Distance it Travels? first place
Sarah Carter ’26*
pH Levels’ Effect on Color of Avocado Dye first place, perfect
Logan Hancik ‘26*
What Soil Type Has the Greatest Load-Bearing Capacity? first place
PERFECT
Nikhil Skandan ‘26*
Experimental and Computer Simulation Studies to Understand Altitude Stability of NASA’s SuperBIT Telescope first place
Aayona Vikram ‘26*
Reduction of Pollution Using Water first place
Aadi Deshmukh ‘26
ACL Bot first place
Chloee Dah ‘26
Determining the Best Ice Melt second place
Cole Kanuck ‘26
The Bouba-Kiki Effect first place, perfect
Ambrose Cole ‘26
The Strength of Plastic first place
Shiv Patel ‘26
Which Type of Bridge is the Strongest? first place
PERFECT MERLE-SMITH CAMPUS WINNERS:
Okezue Bell ’23
Novel Implementation of a Cheap, Bio-Sensing Neuroprosthetic first place, perfect
Anjali Shankar ’23
Effects of OTC Medications on the Heart Rate of Daphnia first place, perfect
Dhwaith Shyamkumar ’24
Converting Hazardous Waste to Harmless second place
PERFECT PERFECT
By Megan Franzyshen
The “Zengineers,” including Justin Jankowski ’26 from the Swain Campus and Nikhil Skandan ’26 from the Downtown Campus, are headed to the Lego League Robotics World Championship!
They are part of the “Zengineers,” a group of middle schoolers from the Lehigh Valley who make up the LV Core Robotics Team. Recently, this group of five Lego and robotic enthusiasts competed in the regional Lego League Robotics competition and became the FLL PA East Regional Champions! The team heads to Houston, Texas for the first ever Lego League Robotics World Championship on April 20-23, 2022.
To keep up with their adventure, be sure to follow @moravianacademy on social media!
READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE AT moravianacademy.org/zengineers
Sixth-Grade Cell Project Is Larger Than Life
By Jennifer Mitchell
Members of the Swain sixth-grade science classes researched and made jumbo replicas of animal cell organelles to create a cell installation in the science room. During their study of cellular biology, students were challenged with choosing an organelle and researching the appearance and function. Together in small groups, they created 3D models of each animal cell organelle by sewing, gluing, stuffing, cutting, painting, and spraying recycled craft materials found throughout the school.
The final task was to work as a grade level to install and hang their organelles to construct a classroom size animal cell. Complete with over 45 individual organelles and QR codes that explained their functions, the larger than life animal cell was open for all grade levels to step inside and explore.
Swain Winter Music Performances
By Anileys Bermudez
Over the month of January, Swain music students performed—for the camera alone—a dizzying array of ensemble pieces. Almost fifty performances were filmed, from guitar through the classics like “In the Hall of the Mountain King” by E. Grieg or “The Nutcracker II. March” by P. I. Tchaikovsky to bucket percussion under black lights and a body percussion production. All grades showed their musical talent and passion for working together, a hallmark of the Swain campus!
Upper School Sets Sail with HMS Pinafore
From the beloved team of Gilbert and Sullivan, HMS PINAFORE brings farce to the high seas, or at least a dock at Portsmouth! A soaring score, witty rapid-fire lyrics, romance, and hilarity ensue on the silliest ship in the Queen’s Navy! MA Theatre joyfully returns to comedy as we return to the musical stage!
Congratulations to the entire company on an amazing show!
TO WATCH A RECORDING, VISIT : www.moravianacademy.org/hmspinafore
