Impact Report
Students recognize and appreciate that they thrive in a school where they are known and nurtured to explore their gifts and interests. In 2022-23, we fostered growth in 377 students!
Supporters and volunteers helped us build community this year as we:
- Reviewed our vision, mission, and curriculum to prepare for a 10-year reaccreditation visit from the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
- Joined 400 others at the Mennonite Educators Conference and celebrated how we are “better together.”
- Launched a campaign to build the Gathering Space, an addition on our elementary building, with donors stepping forward generously.
- Worked through differences using restorative practices, noting where harm has been done, listening well, and striving to restore those who have caused harm to the community.
With care,
Paul Leaman
Head of School
Highlights from the 22-23 School Year
GROWTH
Record Running
On May 6, Jakob Gerlach '23, Adam Rhodes '25, Luga Samson '25 and Jedrek Sneary '25 ran the 4×800 relay in 8:11.12 to top the 1975 record by 13 seconds! Darrell Zook '76, pictured with the group, was part of the 1975 team which included Kenny Layman '76, Byron Brenneman '76 and Don Martin '75. easternmennonite.org/athletics
Gathering Space Addition
This dedicated indoor/ outdoor addition to our elementary building will provide space to eat together, host K-5 gatherings, welcome parents and guests, and foster cross-grade collaboration. The ambitious $2.5 million campaign scope includes the building’s construction and a deferred maintenance fund. Generous donors have pledged $901,498 toward a $1 million match as of June 30, 2023.
Growing a Leader
In his "eagerness to share... ideas" as a younger student, Luke Rogers '23, recalls that he often interrupted in class which led to "... conversations in the principal's office." Luke, pictured with Justin King, high school principal, reflected on his leadership development and role as student council president for an Honors English project. Read it at easternmennonite.org/luke- rogers
GOD'S CALL
Service to Others
Students learn new skills, experience joy, develop awareness about complex issues, and join God’s work while serving others. Students served off site this year with Gift and Thrift, Booksavers of Virginia, VMRC, Pleasant View Homes, Jubilee Climate Farm, Mennonite Disaster Service, and beyond. Rebecca Yutzy, 7th grade class sponsor, reflects that service "changes you and makes it possible for us to see each others’ big hearts."
Heeding God's Call
During elementary Gathering, Karl Stoltzfus, Jr. '83 showed a quilt his grandmother had made for his college graduation. The gift reminds him that everybody has a gift or talent to share. Karl also recalled the dream of starting an elementary school at EMHS in the early 2000s and the way he and others listened to God’s nudges. Soon pieces fell into place, the school opened in 2005, and this year, 105 students were part of EMES.
Supportive Network
Volunteers and donors make EMS possible through:
• Annual fall auction and spring golf tournament
• Great Community Give
• Virginia Education Scholarships Tax Credit Program
• Christmas Fund Drive
• Giving through wills and gifts to endowments such as the Multicultural Scholarship Fund