After a well-deserved and restful winter break, students and faculty at Moravian Academy have swung right back into action. As has the snow adorning our campus, many events have enriched the wintry months at Moravian.

The fall sports season culminated with a state championship title for the boys’ soccer team, marking the second time in Moravian’s recent history that the boys’ soccer team won the state championship (the team also won in 2014). The exciting game, which took place on a chilly afternoon in Hershey, started off with Moravian down by one goal. However, in the blink of an eye, Moravian scored two goals, gaining momentum and ultimately winning the championship 4-1. Overall, the boys’ soccer season was nearly undefeated, with a record of 24 wins.

The community can expect the same from the winter sports season, with athletes hard at work during practice and a hope to mirror the success of the previous season. Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons have started off strong, with Moravian’s Pep Band energizing all of the home games. Swimmers are also diving into the zone with early morning practices and late evening meets.

Many clubs at Moravian have also experienced unprecedented success. Students in DECA, Moravian’s business club, all placed at the district competition and will now compete at the state event at Hershey in February. The Debate Team has continued to maintain a successful season with more students placing at regional and state tournaments and invitationals, and is now preparing for the National Qualifiers tournament at the end of February. The Robotics Club has undertaken the task of building robots to fit the theme of “Infinite Recharge,” which is a Star Wars-based theme. They will compete in the FIRST competition in March. Members in Quiz Bowl qualified for two national tournaments: the Small School National Championship Tournament in Chicago and the High School National Championship Tournament in Atlanta. Service clubs such as Moravian’s Angels always put warm smiles on faces, selling candy grams in December to spread some holiday cheer.

The school community has also continued to experience many special events. On Nov. 22 and 23, the weekend before Thanksgiving, the theater department produced two completely sold out Coffeehouse shows. This annual variety show showcased an array of talents by students and faculty, from solo and group singing and dancing to aerial silks.

The theater department continues to bustle with activity, starting auditions and practice for the upcoming musical “State Fair” at the end of February. Moravian will produce a weekend full of lively and outstanding shows, also seeking for another Freddy award nomination.

Moravian Academy also cherishes the holidays, celebrating Christmas with a historic Vespers service at Central Moravian Church that took place on Dec. 12. This beautiful service, enlivened by the Upper and Middle School vocal and handbell ensembles, carries a tradition that has existed since the founding of Moravian. Near the end of the service, everyone sings carols and lifts their candles, symbolizing the unity of our treasured community.

Currently, students can be found indoors, studying long hours and bracing for the cold weather in the midst of midterms. Nevertheless, midterms indicate the arrival of a new semester, with countless opportunities that highlight the unique qualities of each individual to create a diverse Moravian community.