Articles
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…
We love to celebrate at EMS—and this year, thanks to our community’s generosity, we had much to celebrate! Celebrating Firsts: This year we launched the Flames Fund, allowing donors to give to what inspires them: our students, educators, campus, core values, or overall mission. The Virginia Education Scholarship Tax Credit Program continued to benefit students…
To be a graduate of EMS is to know the inherent worth and dignity of all. During our 107th commencement ceremony, Valedictorian Pranav Menon shared a memorable chapel by principal King his freshman year, I am somebody. “While we may joke about it, the message is powerful—a testament to our worth and our capacity to…
During the 8th grade celebration, middle school principal Gascho addressed the students, acknowledging their journey from learning the basics to mastering complex subjects-and participating in all the activities EMS has to offer. The younger students praised the 8th graders for their humor, kindness, and inclusivity; they were not only academically accomplished but also admired by…
The spotlight shines on the spirited fifth-grade students of Eastern Mennonite Elementary School (EMES). Dressed in a unique blend of styles-from full suits and sneakers to gym shorts-these young leaders are fully themselves eagerly awaiting their turn at the podium. They are ready to share their personal stories and reflections, marking another milestone at EMES.…
“Reliability is a transferable skill, these are the life lessons learned from sports:, a commitment to something, a stick-to-itness, and being trusted. Soccer is one way to be inspired on the field and in your life. Today, Alex is the inspiration.” – Coach Eshleman-Robles Alex Cline *25 – 376 career saves Varsity boys soccer goalkeeper…