Impact Report
Our teachers and principals continually reflect on their profession and how they can model and teach Christ-like ways. Our prayer is that these lessons will go with our students out into the world.
We are grateful for each the 362 students in our care during the 2021-22 academic year.
THANK YOU for your ongoing prayers, advocacy, student referrals, and financial gifts as we join home and church in calling students to faith in Jesus Christ, academic excellence, personal integrity, and compassionate service in the world.
With care,
Paul Leaman
Head of School
Highlights from the 21-22 School Year
EXCELLENCE
Gift of a Cross
Jerry Holsopple’s 500 lb. stained glass cross found a permanent home in the EMS auditorium foyer. The visual artist and EMU professor created it for a Mennonite Youth Convention in 2009. The donation provides a beautiful focal point for the school
and broader community. Learn more.
Go Flames!
Developing individual and team skills are key goals of EMS athletic programs, including a healthy balance of academics, other extracurriculars, and sports. We celebrated first-place state wins for boys varsity basketball, golf, and track and field; three coach-of-the year recognitions' and dozens of personal and team successes.
Choral Singing
In the past, most students came to EMS with a history of singing, often in four parts. Changing student demographics and church practices mean choral singing is new to many. EMS leadership strategically decided to make singing together a priority. All middle school students now have a music choral and/or instrumental class every day.
TRADITIONS
Spiritual Formation
Faith at Work was our Gathering (K-5) and Chapel (6-12) theme this year. We heard students, parents, grandparents, alumni, teachers, and more! Pastor Osheta Moore reminded students they are beloved, and shared in a public forum from her book "Dear White Peacemakers" (second from left, above). Chapel videos are on YouTube.
Donor Support
Record numbers joined our golf tournament, donated through the Great Community Give, and supported us through the Virginia Education Scholarships Tax Credit Program. The student-led Christmas Fund Drive, bequest giving, and gifts to endowments such as the Students of Color Scholarship Fund rounded out the support.
Service-Learning
Our annual spring week of experiential learning included a house renovation in Grundy, Va., with Mennonite Disaster Service, and a learning tour in Alabama and Mississippi. On the tour, students heard from guides who lived through the Civil Rights Movement, and met with youth from the Choctaw Mennonite Church.