The coming of the winter months always brings lots of joy and excitement to the Moravian Academy Upper School. Still, December in particular is beloved here on the Merle-Smith campus, as students are filled with the holiday spirit, especially in the days leading up to a well-deserved winter break.

Members of the junior class just finished hanging candy canes and ornaments on a majestic Christmas tree, Secret Santa gift swaps have been organized, and the hot chocolate powder in the lunchroom has been in short supply!

However, these weeks are not without their challenges. Teachers are cramming in last-minute assessments, seniors have received (or are eagerly awaiting) their college decisions, and most students are trying their best to forget their upcoming midterms.

On Dec. 6, students were excited to look out their windows and see beautiful white dustings of snow floating down from the sky. The first snow on the Merle-Smith campus is one to be enjoyed, especially with the milder winter weather in the recent winter years. Although the snow didn’t last long, students enjoyed the feeling of snowflakes in their hair as they walked to their next classes. We’re all dreaming of a white Christmas this year.

Winter sports are in full swing. Our boys and girls basketball teams both enjoyed successful games in the annual John Donmoyer Memorial Classic, hosted by Moravian at the Athletic Wellness Center, and have continued competing in their regular seasons. The swim team has begun practicing at Wilson and swimming in meets. The dedicated winter track team, led by Coach Paul Jayson, can be found outside running 100-meter repeats through the junior and senior parking lots in the cold weather. I could never!

The arts are also in peak form this winter. The winter musical, after much speculation and anticipation from the student body, was announced to be the “Addams Family Musical.” Audition numbers were at an all-time high this year. “This is the largest audition turnout since well before COVID-19,” according to the new MA theater director, Brooke Harrsch. Many nervous students could be seen practicing their parts, supporting each other and chattering about their dream roles this past Monday and Tuesday before going in for their auditions. Rehearsals will begin shortly, and we are all incredibly excited to see the musical when everything is done in February.

Vespers, a beloved Moravian tradition, took place Dec. 7. Whether this is your 12th Vespers or your first, this holiday service filled with song and bells is one of the ways I, along with many other students, mark the coming of the holidays. The various groups that performed wowed students, faculty and family members alike with their music. Chorale, Chamber Singers and the MA Ringers directed by Robert Riker represented the Upper School, while the Middle School Chorus and Handbells delighted as well. Each year, four fifth-grade Morning Star soloists take on the role of singing a verse of Morning Star alone in front of the crowd, and they never disappoint. This year’s soloists were wonderful, and many members of the audience (including their family members) commented on their quality performances. The service concluded with the singing of Joy To The World and a beautiful “ringing in” from the MA Ringers and the Middle School Handbells, making a lovely end to a successful Vespers service.

As December wraps up, students will slowly leave for vacations and family visits during winter break, then moan and groan about returning in the new year. We all know that 2024 will bring its own set of joys and challenges, but our MA students are truly ready to face them all. Wishing you happy holidays and a great new year! Go Lions!