On Wednesday, September 8, students, faculty, and staff on the Downtown Campus gathered together in Central Moravian Church for our traditional Opening Chapel.

In his annual message, Head of School, Jeff Zemsky, reflected on our new school mission statement: 

Our mission at school is for you to learn how to do all this - and to see the signs along the way. I know you are going to work hard. I know in class you are going to talk about yourself and listen to others. And, I know, in chapel you are going to be thinking and trying to see a bigger picture and looking for visions of success that are only visible to you. This is our school’s purpose, this is why we are going to keep asking not one but two questions, who are you and who can you become?

Due to social distancing guidelines in response to the pandemic, Opening Chapel is by campus this year, and the Upper School gathered on the Merle-Smith Campus on August 31.

The Downtown Opening Chapel was delayed a week by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, but we relied on our long history of perseverance and creativity and were grateful to be together in person to enjoy this annual celebration.

After a welcome and Invocation from campus director Benita Griffin, Sebastian Pascuzzi '29 led the school prayer. The birthday prayer was offered by Assistant Campus Director, Dawn Brews, before Ivelisse Jennette '26 led us through a responsive reading from the Moravian Book of Worship. Seeret Padda'26 offered a reading from 2 Peter 1.

Following the benediction from School Chaplain, Rev. Jennifer Nichols, students and faculty processed to the flagpole, where the familiar words of our Alma Mater rang out joyfully after the long songless months of the pandemic: To the school that we will cherish, as we go along life's way, all the friends and classes taught there, we'll remember all our days. We are proud to be a part of all the things we hold so dear. Dear Moravian, our Moravian, shall shine forth throughout the years.

Peyton Lauden '26, Oliver Lauden '28, and Beckett Lauden '33 raised the flag, and the celebration concluded with our annual shout of Hip! Hip! Hooray.