Seniors, congratulations! We finally made it, especially during an unprecedented year. When we did not know what the future would look like, we worked as a team to persevere. Looking back, we realize that there are countless memories classmates have treasured throughout the years, from when we met each other at freshman orientation to cherishing one of our final moments at our senior day. We have arrived at the finish line of our high school adventure and have opened the doors to a new beginning that will carry us to greater heights.

The Moravian Academy class of 2021 graduated June 5 with a special baccalaureate ceremony the evening before Commencement. As we bid a fond farewell to our Moravian community, seniors took the time to reflect on the plethora of opportunities that have enabled us to forge our own paths as we now enter the new chapter of our lives. Seniors recalled moments unique to their high school careers, and how they have shaped their personal journeys.

“I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be a member of the girls soccer team for my final year at Moravian and serve as a senior captain, although COVID-19 threatened this possibility,” said class president Luisa Capobianco. “I will always appreciate the camaraderie of my teammates and our admirable ability to persevere through safety protocols, various quarantines, and emerge district champions for a third year in a row!”

Luisa’s leadership and determination throughout high school have taken her to the University of Notre Dame, where she plans to major in business.

For Deborah Katz, Moravian Academy’s Theater Department has guided her to grow as a performer, and she intends to pursue her passion by attending Wagner College to study vocal performance and theater studies.

“I am changed for the better because of MA Theater – emotionally, physically, and as a performer,” Deb reflected. “I really enjoyed Coda Red this year, especially our concert. It was insanely hard to be able to practice and I am grateful we finally got the opportunity to perform after all of our hard work.”

Within these specific activities are valuable lessons of core qualities that seniors will carry throughout life. Lila Mangino will also be attending Notre Dame and highlighted how serving as senior class vice president has allowed her to gain numerous leadership skills.

“I learned the hard work, perseverance and positivity it takes to put something together, whether it is a senior class event or a spring concert performance,” Lila said. “From these opportunities, Moravian has prepared me to be a collaborator and has helped me to find my passions and what I love to do.”

Josh Sobiech, who will attend Champlain College to pursue game design, can attest to Moravian’s emphasis on collaboration through leadership.

“The class structure and all of the group work were definitely highlights of my time at Moravian,” Josh said. “Working in a group is imperative to doing something right, which is what I have learned through the countless group projects.”

Specifically, seniors celebrate all of these special moments due to the incredible support and dedication from teachers and faculty, who worked very hard to ensure that we would experience a memorable year and treasure our entire high school experience. Moravian Academy’s values of curiosity, creativity, empathy, and perseverance are well embodied by the Class of 2021, who hope to leave a lasting legacy and embark on an exciting adventure ahead.

Yours truly is passing the baton to other Moravian Academy students, as she will attend Johns Hopkins University this fall to study public health and pursue the pre-med track. I hope to continue to stay in touch with you through special articles. Thank you for reading my articles over the years and for all your support.