A (First) Year in Review: 2022-2023

It doesn't seem possible that this is the last all-school newsletter for 2022-2023. Wasn't it just yesterday that students with smiling faces were excitedly rushing from the car line and buses to greet their teachers and friends for the first day of school? 

This is a vivid memory for me, because it was my first "first day of school" at Moravian Academy, and when I felt the warmth and energy of faculty and students on each of our three campuses, I knew there was no place I would rather be. Each time we gathered--sometimes by campus, other times as one big community--for our beloved traditions, I felt that same sense of belonging. More importantly, I could tell that our students felt it, too. Moravian Academy is our home, and we celebrated many special moments together as a family, like: 

• When all three campuses watched the Lions compete in and win the PIAA state soccer championships and erupted into cheers when they clinched the victory in double overtime! And when we witnessed cross-country runner Virginia Kraus '26 clock faster and faster times, running all the way to the finish line as a cross-country PIAA state champion!

• When students and faculty from all three campuses gathered together for the first time ever to be a part of the student-centered head of school installation ceremony (a day that I remain incredibly grateful for!) 
  

• When the entire Swain Campus (including families!) enjoyed the electrifying performances, artistic excellence, and collaborative cross-curricular projects showcased during VIP Day and the Art Show opening--a truly remarkable event made possible by the dedication of faculty and the creativity and drive of our students!

• When the Morning Star Soloists lent their beautiful voices to the annual Christmas Vespers services enjoyed by our Downtown and Merle-Smith communities. It is always special when we gather for Lovefeasts and chapel throughout the year, but there is something magical about this enduring tradition with its candlelight and handbells in the historic Central Moravian Church, where so many of our community traditions have been held in love and light for generations. 

  Follow Us on Social

  @moravianacademy

  @maheadofschool

  @maathleticdirector

  @maswaindirector

  @madowntowndirector

  Merle-Smith director's account coming soon!

  Of course, every day students are exploring artistic self-expression in the visual and performing arts, breaking new ground through independent research, and simply having fun while immersed in our environment of love and understanding. In addition to the school social media accounts, I encourage you to follow me on Instagram as well as the accounts of our campus and athletic directors as we capture more #MoravianMoments than I can share here! 

  
  

  This summer will also be a busy one. I, along with Dr. Webster, campus directors, and the Senior Leadership team will be engaged in planning for the academic year ahead. Swain and Merle-Smith will be filled with happy campers enrolled in one of our dozens of Summer Explorations (check out the extensive list of programs and register if you have not yet done so!) along with the students and teachers of Lehigh Valley Summerbridge, which is hosted on the Merle-Smith Campus each summer. 

  
  

  As we get closer to the 2023-2024 school year, campus directors will be in touch with the detailed information you need for a strong start to another excellent year of learning and discovery at the Swain, Downtown, or Merle-Smith Campus. Until then, I look forward to seeing many of you at our end-of-year traditions like Closing Chapels Downtown and Eighth-Grade Commencement at Swain. 

  In partnership for the education of our students, 

  
  Adrianne Finley Odell
  Head of School