The 132nd academic year at Mercersburg Academy officially began with Convocation Monday, September 2, in the Irvine Memorial Chapel. School Minister Rev. Dr. William Whitmore was the featured speaker. 

In his address, “Let’s Start at the Very Beginning,” Whitmore challenged the student body to leave room for mystery and surprise as they navigate the plans and goals they have for this year. He also encouraged them to strike a balance between seeking accomplishments that will fill their résumés and developing virtues that will frame their lives.

“This year, I hope you experience great success wherever you’re trying to build your résumé, success that will help you achieve those lofty goals and ambitions that you have set out for yourself,” Whitmore said. “But I also hope you develop as a person of character who’s more than just something a résumé or a transcript can quantify. I hope you practice kindness. I hope you’re mindful of others, are willing to give grace, both to yourself and those around you, that you see the joy and beauty in this year and in this place. None of us knows what this year will bring, but we each can grow as a whole person in these next nine months.”

Watch a replay of Whitmore’s speech.

Other participants at Convocation included Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27, Student Council President Taimur Rehman ’25, School Organist and Carillonneur James Brinson, and the Mercersburg Chorale, led by Director Ben Demerath.

During the service, McDowell presented Grace Chi ’25 of Palo Alto, CA, with the Robert Michelet (1930) Prize and Jazlyn Garnett ’27 of Waynesboro, PA, with the John Culbertson (1924) Prize. The Michelet Prize recognizes distinguished scholarship, character, and school spirit during the previous 11th-grade year, while the Culbertson Prize recognizes the exceptional promise and outstanding accomplishment of a student entering the 10th grade.

In keeping with tradition, each of Mercersburg’s four grades was represented at Convocation by a class flagbearer. Participating students were 12th-Grade Class President Yiting Sun ’25 (Frederick, MD), 11th-Grade Class President Jessica Dang ’26 (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), 10th-Grade Class President Susanna Huang ’27 (British Columbia, Canada), and Eve Gunkelman ’28 (Mercersburg, PA), a member of the incoming 9th-grade class.

Mercersburg’s 2024-2025 student body is composed of 452 students, including residents of 29 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 30 countries. The school welcomed 15 new faculty members this fall, representing various academic departments, including English, math, and science.

The past week featured the arrival of the student body in several waves, training for dormitory prefects and other student leaders, Inbound (orientation) activities for new students, and Performance Group Activities that included sports, theatre, dance, and other activities. The first full day of classes is Tuesday, September 3.