LM Matriculation 2021: Go Forth to Serve

2 June 8, 2021 Matriculation The Merionite Moments that matter Character counts Sydney Zelinger ’21 Dhaval Sharma ’21 Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief

One of my favorite moments from found relationship with someone Recently, someone told me that their journey. No one sympathizes or each school day is walking through the who entered my life with great inten- everything happens for a reason. They enjoys a character who was perfect halls and being greeted by someone tions and changed it for the better. said that no matter how bad something from the beginning! If you had the who is not typically on my daily radar. An They taught me that life is more than may seem, it was always meant to be. chance to redo your time at LM and do enhancer to these moments is being all of the exterior stresses that come Initially, and even now, I’m skepti- everything perfectly, would you really? complimented by that person or having with being a teenager, and that it cal about the idea of a preordained I think the answer for most people them stop their rush to class to engage in is okay to lean on someone in a time destiny, but the underlying message should be no; each failure has even- a short conversation. When I let myself of need. I think this is quite remi- has stuck with me since. I believe that tually led to who you are right now, sit with and value these interactions, they niscent of a prudent lesson that a anyone can put a positive spin on the someone who is hopefully a better can make a bad day turn around. As a longtime teacher of mine expressed majority of bad situations, creating a version of the freshman version of checked-out senior eager to receive my to my class. At the end of each school you. If everything worked out from diploma, I look foward to the split sec- year, Spanish teacher Sean Capkin Everything from an awkward inter- the start, who knows what you might ond when I stand onstage with Principal reintroduces a quote from Robert action to not getting onto a team or be like now. Pompous yet more suc- Sean Hughes, even if it is just for a M. Pirsig, in which he says, “We - folder exchange, smile, and handshake. keep passing unseen through the little Maybe that awkward interaction pushed able yet more popular—the poten- Looking back at all of the moments moments of other people’s lives.” you to become more eloquent. Maybe tial trade-offs may not be worth it. I have had with those around me, I Life usually works that way, but to that failed goal pushed you to work The closest example I can think of is wonder if I ever took them for granted. anyone reading this eager for some harder, increasing your chances of suc- in the novel Song of Solomon by Toni words of wisdom, I hope that as you cess for other ventures you may have. I Morrison. Essentially, the main charac- I begin to remember short and sweet walk through people’s lives, maybe guess it can be compared to character ter had to go on a soul-searching adven- conversations I’ve shared with people stay there a little longer, treasure it, development in books; even though ture to discover his past, meeting new who I don’t necessarily have a special and perhaps something stronger will characters in the majority of novels people and piecing together the history relationship with. I recall copy-editing come out on the other end, some- go through hardship and failure, they along the way. If someone had just nar- a page for The Merionite as an inex- thing greater than the little moments. end up a better person at the end of rated his past back to him at the begin- perienced sophomore, ning, he wouldn’t have and one of the Editors- changed as a person. in-Chief told me that While it may be cliché, my edits showed great the journey did matter. potential to be in Man- I don’t believe that agement one day. I re- everything is meant to be. I personally don’t performing in groups think there are strings for the LM Dance Team of fate attached to our and trembling out of world. While you can nervousness due to the make a bad situation deathly stares from the upperclassmen. simply will not happen Afterwards, one of the naturally. Everything seniors came up to is what you make of it, me and applauded my with only a few excep- energetic perfomance. tions here and there. My Each of these tiny entire message is fairly moments has shaped simple: with enough me into the person I optimism and will, you have become today, can always make the but there are some best out of a bad situ- greater occurrences ation, even turning it that are even more into a good one. While it important to cherish. might be obvious, I did This year was so not begin to follow it difficult, especially until recently because because of the isola- I have had many tion we faced, but it regrets throughout left me personally with most of high school. a fresh sense of However, looking back gratitude. I learned now, I wouldn’t think to appreciate a new- Photo by Anika Xi ’23/Staff to change anything. The Editors-in-Chief for The Merionite 2020-2021. From left: Sydney Zelinger, Elliot Ginzburg, and Dhaval Sharma. Elliot Ginzburg ’21 Editor-in-Chief

After what has felt like a lifetime, the novel the interpersonal interactions I had previously relied relationships allowed me to gain a better understand- coronavirus’s wrath on school life is beginning to on to push my intellectual curiosity in the classroom ing of my academic interests and helped to develop dissipate. Sudden changes relating to mask wear- and in clubs like The Merionite, Debate, TSA, Writ- my leadership skills in my extracurricular endeavors. ing, social distancing, and in-person learning ing Fellows, and others had largely disappeared. The significant moments that should have shaped have provided me with little time to reflect on the The pandemic has taught us the importance of our my high school experience were largely lost this year. unrelenting challenges this past year presented to us. daily interactions with others and the loss we felt Leadership conferences, community service robotics Behind the many memorable moments of our from the breakdown of our personal connections. As opportunities, car wash fundraisers, a TSA trip to senior year, this school year has been exception- we seniors dive into a summer filled with newfound Orlando, and so many other opportunities were ally difficult. Hours upon hours spent listening to freedom, I encourage the rest of you to take advantage snatched away, both for me and for my peers. teachers lecture through our computers as we sat in of your numbered days as LM students. Remember, Instead of regretting what this year could have our bedrooms was not easy. I will admit that virtual every day you walk into the Kobe entrance marks been, I hope to inspire you to take advantage of school was somewhat enjoyable at first. But after one day closer to your graduation. Take advantage of creating connections with your teachers and fel- so many weeks of a groundhog day routine, turning every conversation or salutation you share. One of low students. Who knows, your favorite teacher on my Zoom camera at 7:30 in the morning became the most valuable ways to interact with and learn could become a lifelong mentor or motivate you to mentally and emotionally demanding. There were from the many diverse personalities at LM is to es- pursue a new interest. I hope the traditional senior days I wouldn’t close my computer until very late cape the constraints of your social circle. I had the year that the Class of 2021 missed will serve as a at night—typically working on an upcoming issue opportunity to strike insightful conversations and wakeup call for every student that enters our school of The Merionite or prepping for a TSA conference. find common ground in engineering teacher Mark to treasure each interaction and experience. Our I enjoyed every minute of what I was doing after Piotrowski’s room with people I never would have school is truly a remarkable place for finding the school day—and typically much of what I was engaged with had I only surrounded myself with my your academic passion and personal interests, doing during the school day too. However, many of close friends. The time I spent fostering interpersonal and it really all starts with a simple conversation. Matriculation June 8, 2021 3 The Merionite The Merionite Official newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929 Dear fellow seniors... www.themerionite. org One day while he was fitness Just look at what we have accomplished this year. Columbia Scholastic walking and talking about the pos- In the face of the rising need for equity, we organized Press Association Silver tulance of life — as one does when demonstrations and birthed organizations like CREI to Crown 2013 fitness walking — my friend, Benji create discourse and address some of the issues in our Elkins, told me that he didn’t really school. We used social media and town halls to hold our Editors-in-Chief think adults knew what they were school’s administration accountable and make a difference. Victoria Bermudez ’22 doing. I wasn’t utterly convinced Moreover, despite all of the complications of the Caryl Shepard ’22 until 45 minutes later when, with last year, we are ending the year with perhaps the most Jonathan Xu ’22 400 people crammed shoulder- impressive achievements LM has ever seen. Our basket- to-shoulder in a single, closed- ballers won their first district title since 1996. Our tennis News Editors Owen Wetherbee ’21 Noa Cutler ’22 Valedictorian off stadium, a group of ten adults players hit their way to become undefeated state champi- told us to “take our masks off.” ons. Our LM scientists achieved the first Science Olym- Phillip Gao ’22 LM truly is a crazy place. However, despite all its faults, piad state title in school history. Our resident lawyers fin- Ben Wolf ’22 it has been our place for the past four years, and there’s ished with an undefeated Mock Trial season. Our runners something to be said about that. LM has shown us per- and kickers brought us Central League championships in Opinions Editors sistence through daily Learning Center link emails, in- cross country and soccer. In short, we are kind of insane. Shaine Davison ’23 genuity through the plethora of ways to skip gym class, So, if you are a senior, just remember these crazy Sonia Laby ’22 and that “character counts” through constant grade- things you have done and are able to do. Remember this Ike Mittman ’22 Spencer Rosenbaum ’22 based evaluations. Most importantly, LM has let us excellence and that you were a part of it. Bring all this shine. After all, we are awesome, and when I looked success out into the world so we can create a genera- Features Editors around the crowded stadium that day — enthralled in the tion of adults where Benji’s proposition does not apply. Angela Ge ’23 herd mentality that comes with an entire grade cheer- And, if you see this but aren’t a senior, I don’t Ella Johnson ’22 ing on one kid playing football — I realized just what a really know why you read this article, but you’re Olivia Lee ’23 variety of excellence was contained within our ranks. cool too I guess—and good luck at LM without us! Eric Yang ’22

Arts and Entertainment Editors A deeper purpose Mia Hail ’23 Julia Russel ’23 All of us want to make a differ- hours over the course of his or her life. Whether you want Lila Schwartzberg ’24 ence, but we also know that it’s not to tackle global poverty or AI safety, social justice or ani- Nolan Shanley ’23 as easy as it sounds. We donate to mal welfare, biosecurity or climate change, if you work charity, for example, but we rarely hard and choose wisely, your 80,000 hours are your Sports Editors know the concrete results of those best opportunity to do an incredible amount of good. Michelle Kelly ’23 donations, and often find ourselves In his recent book The Precipice, Oxford philosopher Luke Shepard ’24 uncertain about our real-world Toby Ord estimates that there’s a one in six chance that Gabby Tepper-Waterman ’23 impact. We work and volunteer, humanity undergoes an existential catastrophe by the Ezra Thau ’22 but are frequently left wonder- end of this century. For me, after more than a year of ing how much we’ve actually made working and thinking in the EA space, I’ve decided that Fiona Pollack ’21 things better, and whether there’s doing my best to help ensure our continued existence Copy Editors Salutatorian Vivian Collins ’24 more we ought to have done. With is the greatest good that I can contribute. I now plan Madeleine Fiks ’23 such limited resources, and infinite ways to spend them, to work on existential risk reduction, and will pursue a Zoe Hassett ’23 how can we ensure that we do the greatest amount of good? concentration in Global Security at Harvard next year. One response to this challenge is effective altruism If I have any advice at all for younger students, it’s this: Senior Design Editor (EA), an emerging research field and social movement aim- don’t just go through the motions of high school, checking Emma Liu ’22 ing to improve the world as much as possible. Effective off the boxes presented to you, as I did for too much of my Graphics Editors altruism started as an investigation into the effectiveness time here. Instead, find a deeper purpose for your life, and, Emmi Wu ’23 of global health charities, and quickly led to the realiza- in the spirit of EA, be ambitious and effective in your drive Ilana Zahavy ’24 tion that not only are the best charities better than oth- to do good. It’s easy to feel powerless against the problems ers, they’re many orders of magnitude better. Directed to a that plague us, but there truly are no limits to what you can Senior Web Editor top-rated deworming charity, a donation of $100 can cure achieve on behalf of humanity, if you decide to do good better. Katie Fang ’23 100 children of intestinal worms, with an average rate of A note from the writer: If my arguments about char- just $1 per child. Directed to a top-rated malaria charity, a ity moved you, I’d really encourage you to consider Web Editor donation of $3,000 is, on average, enough money to save a life. donating to the Deworm the World Initiative and the Jessica Dubin ’23 But EA goes beyond charity. We each have some- Against Malaria Foundation. Likewise, I would encourage thing else that’s just as valuable to give to the world: our you to visit 80000hours.org to learn more about critical Business Manager Mona Vakil ’22 careers. An average adult will work approximately 80,000 career paths you can take to help make the world better.

Assistant Business Manager My kind community Noah Barkan ’24 I like school. You might think in a year like this one, the LM staff continued to offer sup- that I am obligated to say some- port throughout the most challenging yet impactful times. Photographers thing like this as student body presi- There are so many paths you can take at LM. Aiko Palaypayon ’23 dent but no, I genuinely cherish this Whether choosing courses, clubs, or athletics, each stu- Anika Xi ’23 sentiment. There is something spe- dent has a unique opportunity to create an engaging Advisor cial about being a student at LM. high school experience. During the transition from mid- Charles Henneberry After starting the school year dle school to high school, the faculty and students virtually, I was able to recog- rewarded the ability to get involved. Personally, I was able The editors believe all facts nize with clarity the importance to find my way into Student Council, yearbook, and was presented in the newspa- and privilege of attending LM. able to dip my toes into many other clubs over my four per to be accurate. The paper Mia Schwartzberg ’21 The LM students and wonderful years at our school. Having the ability to explore vari- acknowledges that mistakes Student Body President are possible and welcomes faculty truly have fostered a ous activities helped me discover my passions, and this is questions as to accuracy. tight-knit community that transcends to individual rela- yet another one of the amazing features our school has to Inquiries regarding accuracy tionships. The bonds and friendships that students make offer. Our school provides the perfect space for students to should be directed to the editors with one another can last a lifetime. Walking through the find their community inside and outside of the classroom. of the paper. Editors can be con- tacted via e-mail at merionite@ halls while fellow classmates greet you with a “hello” or As my fellow seniors and I prepare to leave high school, I am gmail.com or in Room 200A. To “I love your outfit today,” never fails to brighten my day. able to reflect on the past four years and how they have prepared represent all viewpoints in the Even with the mask mandates, LM students continued to me for the rest of my life. I am confident in my ability to be a part school community, The Merion- show the same kindness and commitment to each other of a community with passion, kindness, and spirit. I also know ite welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters can be sent via in both the classroom and the hall. That in itself shows the that my time at our school will help me utilize every opportu- exceptionally welcoming and kind nature of the LM student nity I am presented with. When I was told as a freshman to get The Merionite The Mer- body. Teachers also play a large role in building the LM com- involved, it was one of the best pieces of advice I could ionite reserves the right to edit munity. Not only do teachers serve as mentors for knowl- have received. It made my time at LM incredibly spe- letters to the editor for length or clarity. All unattributed images edge, but they offer students a support system. Especially cial and helped me develop a passion for being at school. are courtesy of WikiCommons. 4 June 8, 2021 Matriculation The Merionite 1. Reject imposter syndrome 5. Say yes! I may not know you, but I do know this: you If your friend wants to join a new club, go with them! If your teacher tells you about are not a fraud. You deserve everything you have. a cool opportunity, pursue it! High school and college are about taking risks—don’t be Imposter syndrome can hit like a ton of bricks, afraid to try new things. Show up to soccer practice! Compete in a debate tournament! Once I learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, I got the chance to I’ve been there and it’s terrifying. But you can’t do things like publish astrophysics data and research Spanish linguistics. It pays let the fear get in the way of success. If you’re lost, chances are that everyone else is too. Just because you’re the only girl at a programming event doesn’t mean you’re any less brilliant. Once you master the art of saying yes, you also have to learn to say no. Take a sec- Don’t be afraid to call yourself a poet—I assure you there’s a white guy out there with two mediocre haikus that’s already doing the same. just because you always have. Cut the toxic people out of your life! Take honors classes 2. Eat breakfast if APs make you cry! There’s absolutely no shame in doing what’s best for you. This one is both straightforward and easy to do. Wake up five minutes earlier to make 7. Do your laundry instant oatmeal. But if that does not seem feasible, pack a Clif Bar for the drive to school (white chocolate macadamia is until tomorrow because you’re just SO busy tonight. You’re always busy! You won’t a personal favorite). I firmly believe that happiness in high school is directly do it tomorrow! Take it from someone who spent the majority of high school living correlated to how good your breakfasts are. Seriously, prioritize your health. among piles of dirty t-shirts. If you don’t do your laundry, you’ll end up with no matching socks and you’ll have to lie on your college housing forms. And no, your 3. Ask for help parents doing it for you doesn’t count—you’re basically an adult, for crying out loud. Older and wiser people than I have spoken on the importance of working together. It’s okay to ask for help! As Halford E. Luccock once said, “no one can whistle a symphony.” Isaac Newton famously put it, “if I have seen further than oth- Don’t listen to anyone who tells you it’s cool not to care. Caring is everything! It’s okay ers, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” If you want to go fast, go alone. to be fascinated by Fibonacci when all your friends hate math. It’s okay to spend money Sometimes it seems easier to take on a burden for yourself. But if you ever want to go on a fancy sketchbook for the aesthetic. Don’t read Nietzsche—nihilism isn’t worth it. far, you have to go together. You have to work together. You have to stick together. Buy scented candles because they make you happy. Tell your friends you love them.

4. Find time to read Researchers have found that students who read more frequently tend to score High school drama can seem all-consuming, and your French grade may feel higher on the SATs. If for no other reason, start reading because of this. In all like the end of the world. But at the end of the day, there is a lot more going on seriousness, reading is incredibly fulfilling. It teaches you things you’d never learn in the world than what’s covered in The Merionite. People are hurting, countries in school. It forces you to approach ideas from perspectives you’d never think of are suffering, and the Earth’s climate is undeniably changing. We are fortunate yourself. I’ve spoken to so many people recently who regret not reading more in enough to have access to an objectively wonderful education, and it is high school. Start carrying a book around when you go out! You won’t regret it. our responsibility as informed citizens to do everything in our power to help. A letter to the Class of 2021 On a balmy August afternoon, a group of soon-to-be freshmen entered the halls all of you exhibit of LM to participate in some orientation activities. As your class sponsors, we were on a daily basis. not sure what the Class of 2021 was going to be like, as many of you hung back, There is no doubt in assessing your peers and new the building, uncertain of what the next four years our minds that the would hold. After some ice breakers, a rambunctious scavenger hunt that took Class of 2021 will go place all over the high school grounds (no, this activity has not been held again), on to do great things and ice cream sundaes, we knew that we had met a special group of students— and have amazing students who we would watch grow into the amazing young adults you have become. futures. What we When we think about the Class of 2021, dedication immediately comes to mind. hope the most At your very first class election in the fall of 2017, your classmates stepped forward for all of you is and were determined to lead your class with fundraisers and activities. From that you continue to our very first hallway wars and maroon & white game to winter formal and a spread kindness and pandemic, as a class you were dedicated to making it through these difficult acceptance. Take the situations together and have given your all in the name of school spirit here at LM. dedication that we When your senior year started in the fall of 2020, instead of looking have seen you all forward to senior activities such as Radnor Week and Amazing Ace, you exhibit over the last all had to navigate staying healthy and participating in online school four years and know while supporting your mental health and, for many of you, grueling that you can weather college applications. You were thrown a huge curve ball this year any storm in your Special Education Special Education and still, with the dedication we have grown accustomed to with way. You all now get to move to the next stages in your lives but know that you the Class of 2021, you rose to the occasion and took on the challenges are all now part of an elite group of individuals. You are now LM graduates that were presented to you. We are beyond impressed with your academic and with that honor comes the lifetime membership into the LM Family. We are and athletic achievements that we have had the privilege of witnessing so proud of you all but know that your LM family is, and will always be, there over the past four years; But, what we value most, is seeing the kindness that for you and can’t wait to see what your futures hold. Wishing all of you the best! Matriculation June 8, 2021 5 The Merionite Go forth and serve Life changing choices

helping me get accepted into col- - - - if I had not gone to that one, I Camille Vandeveer ’21 CeCe Rae ’21 to be the best decision I made in As someone who is, at most, am in any position to give advice, - - - - - en the significance of that achieve- - - gma is the best decision I made

Memories matter most One trapeze to the next

- - - complete the New York Times Mini - All this to say that high school Emily Shang ’21 Andria Johnson Opinions Editor Gifted Education - within LM (of many, I hope) that I have - - - - sometimes high school was not a - LM Matriculation 2021: Go Forth To Serve... Abdul-Rahim Abdus-Salaam Harcum College Robert D’Aquila University of Connecticut Melina Hillsberg University of Michigan Matin Morrison Unavailable Leo Steinriede Manhattan School of Music Isaac Abelson University of North Carolina-Wilmington Eleanora Danz Unavailable Daniel Hofferman Pennsylvania State University Paige Morrissey Tulane University William Stephanou Continuing studies at LM Akinyele Adebamgbe Rhode Island School of Design Phoebe Danz Unavailable David Holland Unavailable Lucas Mortensen University of Pittsburgh Daya Stevens University of Colorado Boulder Ariana Ahmed Bard College Wilson Davis Temple University Margaret Hollis Smith College Jonathan Mosenco University of Pennsylvania Allison Stewart Rider University Sharad Ahmed University of Pittsburgh Samuel Davison Franklin and Marshall College Gavin Hong Unavailable Jack Moses Unavailable Ellen Stickney George Mason University Alanah Allen Unavailable Katherine Dee Pennsylvania State University Vienna Hong Temple University Naomi Mulugeta Harvard University Jack Stockmal Continuing studies at LM Alexsandra Allen University of Arizona Rachel Deegan Pennsylvania State University Morgan Hopkins University of Pittsburgh Jacqueline Munis Stanford University Samuel Stoller Bucknell University Naikai Allen Unavailable Cecilia Denis Brandeis University Luke Hu Unavailable Christian Murray Unavailable Aaron Street Unavailable Melanie Altman University of Maryland Paul DeSouza Unavailable Mitchell Huffman Unavailable Xavier Murray Continuing studies at LM Ella Stuccio Skidmore College Rebecca Altman College of William and Mary Jena Dessain Clemson University Vivienne Hughes University of Virginia Ezekiel Myers Unavailable Luca Stuccio Unavailable Jacob Altshuler University of Michigan Pennsylvania State University Alexis Hunter Pennsylvania State University-Abington Orestis Narliotis Gap year, Rensselear Polytechnic Institute Claire Sun University of Pennsylvania Yuna Antal Mount Holyoke College Daniel Dilsheimer Lehigh University Matthew Hurowitz University of Maryland Brian Nguyen Unavailable Sophia Sweetman New School’s Parsons School of Design Liran Ari-Pardo Unavailable Sebastien Dion Unavailable Sarah Hurst University of Pittsburgh Sage O’Connor Drexel University Amherst College Joshua Axelrod Indiana University Rona Dizengoff Pennsylvania State University Mika Itkin-Ofer University of Maryland Eleanor O’Keefe University of Delaware Ethan Tedgi Unavailable Ishana Baboo Bryn Mawr College Maiya Do Continuing studies at LM Ayana Jackson Unavailable Genevieve Oliver Unavailable Harun Thomas Delaware County Community College Justin Badt Vanderbilt University Maeve Donoghue Boston College Nitya Jaisinghani George Washington University Damian Omar Syracuse University Celine Thomas Philip Howard University Delaney Baer Continuing studies at LM Edward Douglas Bucknell University D’Shawn Jemison Waldorf University David Ordonez Garcia Unavailable Casey Thornton Unavailable Elishka Bailey Case Western Reserve University Sophia Dowdall Drexel University Ellissa Jeudy Unavailable Alexandra Orekhova Unavailable Amanda Tonsey University of Florida Benyam Bairou Saint Joseph’s University Owen Downey University of South Carolina Sage Johnson Temple University Sophia Orova Temple University Benjamin Tooke Unavailable Nicole Balduccini Millsaps College Jack Dubin Pennsylvania State University Skye Kades The Ohio State University Christian Owusu Princeton University Mia Tralies Ohio University Unavailable Alida Dunleavy University of California-Berkeley Max Kahn University of Vermont Layla Palmer Emerson College Zachary Traynham Unavailable Maayan Barsade University of California Berkeley Alexis Duong Carnegie Mellon University Liam Keating Skidmore College Willa Palmer University of Roehampton London William Treiman Wake Forest University Sara Beqiraj Franklin and Marshall College Aidan Dutwin Career as a music artist Tessa Keefe University of Toronto Emily Pearson Unavailable Amir Tucker Continuing studies at LM Christopher Berg Unavailable Maia Earl Concordia University Théa Kerekes University of Pennsylvania Maryjane Pennington Colby College Adrien Van Rawley Oberlin College Max Bergmaier Unavailable Mats Egberts Hanze University Evan King Unavailable Elah Perelman Bard College Camille Vandeveer Georgetown University Danielle Berman University of Delaware Jonathan Eke Unavailable Iyanah Kinney Unavailable Elijah Philippe Unavailable Noella Varet Unavailable Isaac Berman University of Michigan Jamie Eldridge Mount Holyoke College Russell Kirkpatrick Unavailable William Pitonyak Pennsylvania State University Ciani Walls Lauren Bernicker Pursuing business Benjamin Elkins Gap year, University of Pennsylvania Ami Klinghoffer University of Pittsburgh Jasmine Plack Unavailable Elizabeth Ward Northeastern University Faye Berry University of Virginia Tamrick Else Unavailable Mia Klinghoffer Unavailable Fiona Pollack Harvard University Libi Warmund Ithaca College Jonathan Bierck Drexel University Marley Evans Lincoln College of Technology Daisy Knight-Surie College of Charleston Maurice Pollard Unavailable Benjamin Warren Dickinson College Talia Bierschwale Northeastern University Nathaniel Farber Unavailable Andrew Koban Payne Boyer College of Music and Dance Dorice Porter Unavailable Tiani Washington Neumann University Benjamin Birch Florida Atlantic University Molly Feinstein Unavailable Boris Kohler University of Pennsylvania Briana Price Unavailable Adin Wessels Unavailable Parker Bloch University of Colorado-Boulder Kylie Ferguson Unavailable Philip Kolea Unavailable Fiona Rae Cornell University Owen Wetherbee Cornell University Lincoln Blouin U.S. Air Force Academy Tarik Ferron Unavailable Michael Kowalski University of Tampa Isabel Reddy Temple University Noah Wheeler Colorado College Mark Bluemle Pace University Evan Fine Unavailable Gwendolyn Koziara Suffolk University Samuel Richard Indiana University Luke Willette Unavailable Eric Blum University of South Carolina Hanna Fiorentino Unavailable Gabriel Lapinski Unavailable Seth Richards Drexel University Benjamin Williams East Stroudsburg University Ethan Blum University of Pennsylvania Angelina Fisher Unavailable Ella Lawrence Georgia Institute of Technology Jake Ridgway Rochester Institute of Technology Kristen Wohrle Unavailable Nicole Blum Bucknell University Robert Fleur Lehigh University Eliana Leach Unavailable George Rieke Pennsylvania State University Levi Wojnilower Unavailable Peri Blume University of Maryland Henry Folk Lehigh University Jessica Lee University of Pittsburgh Lindsey Rivkind Unavailable Zachary Wong University of Oregon Max Blumenfeld Villanova University Eli Forman Cornell University Zeyin Lei Unavailable Isabella Rizzo Unavailable Madeline Wood University of Vermont Kohana Bondurant Unavailable Rachel Forman Lehigh University Rose Leinhauser La Salle University Spencer Robb University of Vermont Celia Wright West Chester University Sadie Boyd Unavailable Maximus Forster Temple University Nathaniel Levin Unavailable Justin Robertson University of Pennsylvania Lewis Yancy VI Harcum College Siobhan Brannigan Wagner College Isaac Frank Brandeis University Nathaniel Levinson Unavailable Luna Roland Harcourt Unavailable Shuqing Yang Vanderbilt University Sara Braslow Connecticut College Kisara Freeman Colorado College Matthew Lexa United States Naval Academy Samuel Roland Harcourt Unavailable Gal Yovel University of Pittsburgh Ella Braunfeld Georgetown University Tara Gabor Drexel University Madison Li University of Maryland Eyani Rollins Unavailable Grace Yu University of Maryland Ku’uipo Brennan San Diego State University Robert Gaddy Unavailable Thomas Li Pennsylvania State University Catherine Roser Yale University Amit Zaga University of Maryland Omri Brenner Israeli Defense Force Aiden Gale University of Vermont Emerald Lin New York University Gianna Rossa Unavailable Arghavan Zeidi New York University Keene Brogan Georgia Institute of Technology Morgan Gale Colorado State University Jeremy Lipetz Unavailable Lucas Rubens The New School Sydney Zelinger Lehigh University Audrey Brown University of Cincinnati Tamar Galvin University of Rochester Noah Lipsitz Unavailable Santiago Ruiz-Concepción Unavailable Alexander Zhang Harvard College Shane Brown Unavailable Trey Gannon University of Pittsburgh Claire Lu University of Pennsylvania Jourdyn Rumph Unavailable Lucy Zhao Unavailable Amari Brown-Swint North Carolina State University Brandon Garcia Unavailable Teresa Lu-Romeo Harvard University Trevor Russin Cornell University Maren Zigmond University of Colorado Boulder Conor Burke Cornell University Lily Garcia Temple University Kailey Luo Unavailable Noah Scher Emory University Faris Ziyad Unavailable Geoffrey Bynum Carleton College Lily Garton University of Pittsburgh Benjamin Lustig Trinity College Dan Schneid Unavailable Maia Cabanas Temple University Ella Geers Wake Forest University Connor Luttrell Temple University Abigayle Schonberger Pennsylvania State University Violet Calcut Unavailable Alex Gerstein Unavailable Tefo Maphorisa Unavailable Dylan Schwab Pennsylvania State University Cornelius Cardenas Unavailable Laura Getselman Pennsylvania State University Lucas Markovits Unavailable Mia Schwartzberg Cornell University Elisabeth Carter Tulane University Davis Giangiulio Northwestern University Storm Martin Unavailable Jordan Scott Thomas Jefferson University The matriculation plans as shown Takhari Casselle Unavailable Alexander Gibbon University of Notre Dame Maya Masotti University of Massachusetts Amherst Joseph Scott Unavailable Jason Castello Washington University in St. Louis Molly Gillston Elon University Connor McCabe Unavailable Dominique Scutti James Madison University for the Class of 2021 are information Joanna Charap Unavailable Elliot Ginzburg University of Pennsylvania Bridget McCann University of Michigan Harper Segal University of Pittsburgh volunteered to The Merionite by the Ari Charmont Temple University Sebastian Giraldo Unavailable Mason McCaughey University of Tampa Samuel Seidler Temple University Adam Chen University of the Sciences Seth Gladstone Unavailable Lillian McClure Ohio State University Maxwell Serota Carleton College members of the graduating class. Carmen Cheng Northeastern University Rivkah Gold Unavailable Dylan McCormack Temple University Hannah Shalaby Clemson University Guanjie Cheng Carnegie Mellon University Jada Goonewardene Yale University University of New Hampshire Caitlin McGinty University of Waterloo Emily Shang The Merionite or LM is not respon- Andrew Chin Temple University-Japan Campus Andrew Gordon University of Arizona Samuel McGuire Muhlenberg College Dhaval Sharma Georgia Institute of Technology Corey Chmara The Ohio State University Charlotte Gordon Tulane University Hannah McLaughlin College of Charleston Ekaterina Shchepetova Unavailable sible for the accuracy of their report- Maya Christianson Occidental College Sydney Gould Loyola University Chicago Hayden McManus Champlain College Aidan Shea Unavailable ings. Those students listed as Leo Cieri Bentley University David Greenwood Kutztown University Grace McNally Boston College Guokai Shi Unavailable Ava Clifford Northeastern University David Gross Pennsylvania State University Sean McPeak Unavailable Sarah Silverman Chapman University “Unavailable” opted not to respond or Trent Cohen University of Virginia Benjamin Guo Continuing studies at LM Octavio Melendez Han University of Applied Sciences Erin Simpson Unavailable were otherwise unable to be reached. Pelayo Coll University of North Carolina Lily Guo Georgetown University Nathan Meline Emerson College Abigayle Skariah University of Pittsburgh Yulissa Contreras Unavailable Madison Halpern George Washington University Phoebe Mennis University of California Santa Barbara Dashawna Smith Unavailable Phillip Cook Howard University Sydney Halpern George Washington University Sabrina Mercaldo Thomas Jefferson University Kariana Smith Howard University The Merionite wishes our graduating Sarah Cooke Cornell University Ahmed Hamad Unavailable Cole Messinger Rhode Island School of Design Taylor Smith Unavailable seniors the best of luck in their Ally Cooper University of Vermont Anne Hamilton Tufts University Meredith Meyer American University Ella Sobol University of Vermont Isabel Coopersmith Temple University Asher Hancock University of Colorado Boulder Vikas Miller University of Notre Dame Joshua Soiferman Drew University future endeavors. Akira Covert Unavailable Laura Hansroul Fashion Institute of Technology Justin Minerva Haverford College Jonathan Sommer University of Pittsburgh Dennis Coyne Temple University Cherinet Hariffo Unavailable Donacien Modest Unavailable Noah Sommer Temple University Megan Craig Unavailable Zsanece Harley Unavailable Christian Monaco Unavailable Gunner Spaeth Unavailable Michaela Craig Unavailable Jason Harmon Temple University Margaret Monahan Tufts University Jane Spencer Villanova University Brandyn Cronin Auckland University of Technology Zachary Hassett Ursinus College Ariel Monson University of Maryland Owen Spencer University of Pittsburgh Nicolas Crosbie Temple University Arnold Haynes Kutztown University Devon Mooring Howard University Cheyenne Stanley Unavailable Daisy Cunningham Muhlenberg University Samuel Hecht Tufts University Charlotte Morales Culinary Institute of America Kate Steel University of Vermont Elijah Cyr Temple University Marcell Henderson Unavailable Jayden Morene Unavailable Olivia Steinberg Pennsylvania State University Bella Czarkowski West Chester University Zoe Hill University of Maryland Declan Morgan Unavailable Joshua Steinfeld University of Pittsburgh 8 June 8, 2021 Matriculation The Merionite Highs and lows sure to build a sense of community and These changes came not only in the de- school spirit. Aside from this, LM gave partments of personal hygiene and re- us the ability to make meaningful change spect towards our substitute teach- where we saw it necessary. We were ers, but in our appreciation for each able to make clubs, like the “Council for other, our comradery, and our ever- Racial Equity and Inclusivity” and “I growing list of finely-tuned skills and Will Breathe,” both in response to pressing unique achievements. I can recall issues within our community and countless moments when classmates’ beyond. I’ve never seen another school accomplishments have inspired me to with a stronger student body and take a moment to pause and reflect. an even stronger institution back- Moments when robotics tournaments ing them. I now see that this allowed were won, and I thought about how myself and many others to grow and I wished I’d joined the team or discover the issues that matter to us. when the best essays in class read The reason for LM’s support of stu- more like a novel by Dickens than a dents and cultivation of school spirit high schooler’s paper, and I wished is because, at its core, the school cares As my four years at LM come to As students leave high school, I’d made a better effort on my own deeply for the success of its students. an end, a number of events come to they might not feel inclined to poorly punctuated essay. Yet for me, With some exceptions, all teachers and mind, and with it a clearer view of what these moments of reflection were idle these four years have meant for me. I because after four years of high and fleeting. I never joined the new and believe in us unconditionally. We entered LM as a student fresh out of school English, the words ‘reflect’ club, or wrote the essay worthy of all came into LM a little unsure of who Valley Forge Military Academy, and as and ‘reflection’ now make you feel literary admiration. I simply wished we were and what we’d want to do in the one could guess, I was overwhelmed. sick to your stomach, or you’re sim- that I had, and thought that I should. The classes, my peers, and even the young adults ready to begin pursuing ply too busy reminding uninter- school culture were all unknown to realized that the act of simple careers. If there is anything I want the ested classmates how ready you are me and all I remember is how nervous reflection does one no good. None of students of my class to remember, it’s for college. It also may seem that I felt. In many ways, LM felt like an us stray from our well-beaten paths entirely new world and I thought I’d that LM truly wanted us to become the a purpose to the future principals because we casually think we should. never truly fit in. But even I, a scared among us—those who will one day And so, as we leave high school little kid from New Jersey, found a place did a generally phenomenal job at tell bored freshmen how they wished and go off to be surrounded by a home at LM and am truly grateful for helping us achieve that. LM has had its they’d participated in more clubs. new batch of interesting and moti- everything the school has given me. ups and downs, but all I feel when I think So, with all that in mind, I’d like vated people, don’t bother reflect- Like all institutions, LM has had its of my four years here is immense grati- to do some reflecting on reflecting. ing. Don’t waste your peers’ nudges issues and shortcomings, but as the tude, and the knowledge that LM will Looking in the rearview mirror at towards personal growth on internal Class of 2021, I think we should all try to always hold a place in my heart. That the past four years, a few things stick “shouldacouldawouldas.” Just join remember the good as we begin to exit. being said, I wish the Class of 2021 out to me. In particular, I’m struck by that club, write that paper, try From the yearly Radnor game, to Maroon all the best, and pray we never for- that sport. Do now, reflect later. Madness, to Winterfest, LM always made get what this school has done for us. the great changes we’ve all under gone.

A punctual message

For many of this year’s senior class, it has been an amazing four years and an incredibly unique final year of high school. This last year has made everyone grow as students and as future leaders. The resiliency you have shown has been second to none, and it has most likely prepared you for many of the challenges you will face in the future. Oftentimes I tell my students to take a deep breath and reflect on all of the positive things they experience. All these challenges we face make us stronger and teach us how to better navigate our futures. We cannot control everything, but with determination, resiliency, kindness, and an open heart and mind, anything is possible. I am wishing everyone the best and ready for many awesome achievements (small and large, the simple things in life count just as much) in the future!

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610.664.7400 www.driven2drive.com Matriculation June 8, 2021 9 The Merionite

TSA Science Olympiad TSA had a successful season The team honored with 42 event placements at Michael Stettner’s memory both the regional and state level, including a record level title, advancing to nationals where they medaled in six

Basketball The boys’ basketball team became district champions as well as made it through to

CREI The new organization began their work to diversify LM’s clubs and promote inclusivity as well as holding

PLAYERSFest Cross Country LM PLAYERS assembled a - The boys’ cross country team virtual production, preserv ing theatre in year when live

Mock Trial Mock Trial was victorious in their regional tournament, BuildOn Gala BuildOn fundraised $19,000 to construct a school in Burkina Faso through their

SAGE Conference SAGE organized a successful Seniors enjoyedProm a special conference with workships and prom celebration in the

CodeLM Students from schools nationwide participated in the coding competition and won prizes sponsored by the Susquehanna International Tennis Soccer The boys’ tennis team tri- Girls’ soccer won the Central umphed over Hershey High to Volleyball League tournament with an The girls’ volleyball team Matriculation June 8, 2021 10 The Merionite Self-discovery Best of luck Talia Bierschwale ’21 Ed Monroe Campus Aide Perservering through a pandemic

Keene Brogan ’21 Matriculation June 8, 2021 11 The Merionite

I committed since it has a beautiful nature“ of the team and amazing “- “ “ and unique campus. The women’s coaches, I committed since it is tunities for students. I will miss soccer program is a true family, the number two ranked swim all my teammates the most and becomes family. I will miss bond- which will set me up for collegiate all the memories we made playing with teammates and playing and lifetime success. Up and com- miss the LM sports family and ing together. Younger athletes, with my sister. I’ll also miss the ing athletes should make the most - of their time because playing sports department. ” thing will work out. ” came out to cheer us on. ” is an unforgettable experience. ”

I am committing there because I want to compete at “ ”

I committed because of its academ- I chose Rider because it felt like “ “ I committed to Penn State Abing- unique opportunities. I will miss “ conference. I will miss my coaches, the school pride and spirit with LM style and how close we began to teammates, team bonding, and be in the beginning. It immedi- meeting incoming freshmen.” this for my college career. ” ately felt like home from the gate. ”

“ will miss the friendships, coaches, other teams, memories, and my ability to be a top competitor at LM. ”

I committed to Brandeis because of the proximity to “ “ walked on campus. I’m going to miss all of my friends and coaches, especially participating in meets and the nice. I recommend that younger athletes fully im- energy of the team. ” ”

The thing I will miss most about LM sports is getting “ to play with your neighbors while also representing moment and the relationships you gain. ”

Watching the way the girls who What I’ll miss most about LM I committed there because of the “are already on the team support “sports is the relationships. My “academic reputation of the school each other and care about each and how well I related to the I committed due to its excellent swim and medical other is one reason that I wanted the worst thing you can do is shy “programs. I will miss spirit dinners, spirit families, away from seemingly impossible most about LM sports are team - younger athletes would be that it tasks. Look at yourself and tell is all about the big picture. ” yourself nothing can stop you.” during summer. ” ” 12 June 8, 2021 Matriculation The Merionite

Front and back covers by Emma Liu ’22