Articles
At Eastern Mennonite School, Belonging represents a collaborative and aspirational effort shaped first by the equity group and then edited by the EMS governing and alumni boards, strategic leadership team, and faculty and staff. Adopted in June 2024, this statement complements our mission and vision by articulating who we strive to be and how we…
With Ms. Maria Archer, EMES Principal At Eastern Mennonite Elementary School (EMES), peacebuilding isn’t just a class—it’s the heartbeat of the community. Principal Maria Archer, who has led this school for over 20 years, describes the culture as one where “every student is known and seen, safe to be who they are, and safe to…
With Mr. Justin King, EMHS Principal At EMHS, belonging is not just a nice idea—it’s a goal worth pursuing every single day. Creating a culture where students feel connected, seen, and valued is at the heart of what we do. Building that sense of belonging requires both structure and heart, and it’s a journey we…
With Ms. Erika Gascho, EMMS Principal Inside the halls of Eastern Mennonite Middle School (EMMS), Principal Erika Gascho is more than an administrator— she’s a coach, mentor, and guide for students navigating the challenging middle school years. “She’s my life coach,” a 6th grade student explained to his parents. With her unique blend of special…
Friday: chapel, picnic, and homecoming concert Saturday: breakfast, alumni stories, color run, volleyball, soccer, and building tours All weekend: reunions for classes ending in 5 and 0 Register at the link below to help us prepare! easternmennonite.org/homecoming Saturday, October 18, 10 AM – Color Run EMS Soccer Fields This run/walk is family friendly and open…
Discovering Belonging and Passion: Honoring Everett Brubaker ‘10 Everett Brubaker’s journey has been marked by personal growth, community involvement, and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. From his early days at Eastern Mennonite School (EMS) to his current role in driving social and environmental change, Everett’s story is about the power of calling and the…
Life-Changing Year at Eastern Mennonite School A Leap into a New World At just 17, Rolando Santiago took a courageous step, leaving his Spanish-speaking home in Puerto Rico to immerse himself in the English-speaking environment of Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg Virginia. Drawn by his Mennonite heritage and a desire to prepare for college in…
A Radiant Presence Wendy Wenger ’95 Hochstedler Wendy’s megawatt smile and genuine presence light up any room she enters. Her ability to make others feel seen and valued is a testament to her authenticity. Honest, hopeful, and sincere, Wendy shares life’s anecdotes with warmth and clarity. While memories from high school may blur over time,…
Hindsight is 20/20 and often our position when recounting a tale, truth, or impactful life happening. Hindsight allows our story to spin with everything turning out “well in the end.” There’s a certain comfort knowing that good ultimately triumphs and we emerge victorious. Truth be told, much of life is spent in the midst of…
A New Chapter for EMES The excitement is palpable as we celebrate the completion of The Gathering Space-it’s filled with student laughter and learning. We’re grateful for the generosity of the contributors who made it possible. This dedicated area will enhance learning, foster connections, and support the wellbeing of our K-5 students. It also includes…