Articles
Almost 40 out of 72 members of the class of ’68 attended their 50th reunion in October. UPDATES FROM ATTENDEES Nelson Eberly ’68 was one of three students from Pigeon, Michigan. His parents made considerable sacrifice to allow him to attend for his senior year. Nelson sang in the Touring Choir with Marvin Miller, traveling…
Since teaching his first digital photography class at EMHS in 2012, Andrew Gascho has developed a communication technology program offering: 7th grade digital literacy, 8th grade digital projects, digital photography I, digital photography II, Photoshop, 3D printing, and photography independent study. Gascho, who has a BA in communications and photography from Eastern Mennonite University, built…
Each year, EMS upperclassmen are offered the opportunity to embark on experiential learning trips in the month of June. On even years, the Touring Choir travels in Europe, singing in cathedrals, learning about European culture from host families, teaching music to school children, and seeing the wondrous sights. On odd years, students are offered a…
The end of the school year brought the end of a 23-year era of Dave Bechler as Athletic Director for EMS. “More than two decades at the helm of middle and high school athletics is highly unusual,” noted Paul Leaman. “We have been blessed by Dave’s long-term commitment to our school and students.” That blessing…
Whether it’s required Bible classes, Spanish language discussion, service to others, or how we interact as athletes, faith formation happens throughout the day – kindergarten through grade 12 – at EMS. All three divisions use the Encounter curriculum, developed by Mennonite Schools Council, which focuses on holistic faith formation through encounters with God, each other…
Guest speakers, students, faculty and staff shared on the theme of “Holy Spirit” throughout the year in chapel and the weekly elementary Gathering. In an end-of-year wrap up chapel, Justin King (high school principal) and Maria Archer (K-8 principal) shared times when they experienced the Holy Spirit this year. “When our 7th graders visited our…
Esther Augsburger established the arts program at EMHS in 1971 and taught art at the school for the next nine years. During her teaching years Esther earned a Master’s in Sculpture from James Madison University in 1979. Esther has long supported the arts program at EMS, often helping and encouraging Barbara Gautcher’s work at the…
When asked about her 32 years teaching art at EMS, Barbara Gautcher responded by saying that “God is faithful.” In the mid-1980s, former EMS guidance counselor Michael Shenk casually asked Barbara’s father if he knew of anyone who could teach art. When Reynold Simmons told Michael that his daughter Barbara was looking for a teaching…
As we reach our Centennial, it is important to note that although EMS has evolved over the years to include students from many diverse backgrounds, geographical locations, and faith traditions, the school still maintains a long history of familial commitment. In this Centennial year alone, there are several families who have five or more generations…
Back in the 1970’s, my neighborhood on Rockingham Drive held an annual summer block party. People grilled hotdogs, served mac and cheese, and ate watermelon. Favorite foods brought neighborhood kids around the table, but before long basketball hoops and backyards beckoned us for games lasting past twilight. Each year as new people joined our growing…