Articles
This school year we celebrate 20 years in the fine arts addition at Eastern Mennonite School, built to house the auditorium, art studio, and the band and choir rooms. Students, families, and the broader community have enjoyed years of performances, arts, and celebrations in this space. We again express gratitude to the original board and…
In Malea Gascho’s high school sculpture class, students are collaborating to create a large-scale Timber Rattlesnake out of cardboard. This project not only hones their artistic skills but also raises environmental awareness. Each day, the class develops a strategy and divides tasks among its members. While some focus on crafting the snake’s head, others measure…
Ashley Sauder ’99 Miller has carved out at her Harrisonburg home a little black studio. There, professional and home life – much like the elements of her mixed media art – exist side-by-side, intertwined, or merged into one. It’s not just a space, then, that Miller – an independent professional artist and the primary caregiver…
Step 1: Buy a bike. Step 2: Join a choir. Step 3: Get to work. Thanks to already-ample experience in engaging with new contexts, James Souder ’09 knew the best way to find home in Amsterdam six years ago was to jump right in. For Souder, who has three older sisters who also attended EMS,…
In elementary school, he was asked by a teacher what he wanted to be when he grew up. He recalls answering, “A teacher or a preacher.” He appreciates that he got to do both. Shenk knows details without story can mean very little, so he weaves them into anecdotes full of meaning. Throughout his rich…
Kindness 11th and 12th grade students who are “bigs” lead personalized tours to their “little” throughout the school, and genuinely build positive relationships with them. I saw one new 7th grade girl sitting with her big today at the lunch table, and it almost brought a tear to my eye. Initiative A 10th grade student…
How can we keep from singing? With 41 graduates on Saturday, June 1, Eastern Mennonite School held its 106th commencement ceremony. This day marks a significant achievement in the lives of our students. The weeks leading up to graduation are filled with milestones. Senior presentations are a vital component of a capstone course called Kingdom…
The EMS athletic program had another successful year! Each season provided life-long memories and learning opportunities for our student athletes. Sarah Drooger and Ryan Slonaker (above, right) signed letters of intent to Division 1 colleges. Sarah will continue her soccer career at Virginia Commonwealth University and Ryan will be playing golf at Virginia Tech. Just…
With 17 trips, 37 dedicated faculty and staff, and numerous chaperones, over 270 students embarked on unforgettable journeys filled with enriching experiences. Groups went hiking, biking, and learned about the environment, theater, and self-care. Each had a service day, collaborating with non-profits to reinforce compassion and community service. Whether local or out-of-state, students gained new…
EMS creates ways to build relationships with cross-grade interactions. Programs pair MS & HS students (bigs/littles) and EMES lunch seat buddies. RJ begins before the conflict. Reflect on your own biases, assumptions, and actions. Consider how you can improve your own behavior and interactions with others. RJ begins with relationships. Relationships are seen as central…