Articles
“Community” is our Chapel and Gathering theme this year which began August 16 with 383 students: 106 in grades K to 5; 118 in 6 to 8; and 159 in 9 to 12. 53 faith communities are represented, including Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and multi-faith, and some with no affiliation 21% identify as various races…
Jerry Holsopple’s 500 lb. stained glass cross found a permanent home in the EMS auditorium foyer this spring. The 12’ by 6’ foot work had been in storage since 2009 when Holsopple, a visual and communication arts professor at Eastern Mennonite University, created it for Mennonite Youth Convention. The donation provides a beautiful focal point for…
The Flames had several “firsts” this winter and spring. Basketball: The boys varsity basketball team brought home the first EMHS VISAA DIII state title in March, with a 64-56 upset win over top-seeded Fairfax Christian. Trey Gillenwater ’22, was named the VISAA DIII basketball co-player of the year. Golf: The boys varsity golf team brought…
Using restorative practices involves creating space for people to listen fully. Sometimes that is a conversation between two or more students, facilitated by a teacher, counselor, or principal. All parties involved agree to the process before starting. In larger groups, a circle process provides the opportunity for everyone to speak and listen. The speaker holds a “talking…
The school’s 104th commencement ceremony celebrating 36 graduating seniors was held Sat., June 4 on the auditorium lawn. Family and friends enjoyed the outdoor venue for a second year with fewer Covid restrictions than last spring. Osheta Moore, pastor and author, called students to move out into the world with the assurance that God loves…
Soft skills. Life skills. Whatever you call them, educators, parents, future employers agree: learning them early supports overall well being and success. At EMS, we dig deep into topics and encourage students to ask big questions like: What can I learn from this author to help me understand my own identity? How do the decisions…
Three times a week, students grades 6-12 join chapel either in person (always masked) or by live stream. With teen anxiety and stress at an all-time nationwide high, we added mental and emotional well being to our theme of “Faith at Work” for the year. We have also made a point to laugh more together.…
Four Mennonite women who loved children and education lived frugally and gave generously. By naming EMS in their wills, the women contributed a combined total of $890,354, which ended up funding a quarter of the cost of the Eastern Mennonite Elementary School renovation project, completed in 2019. Lena Yutzy Showalter, from Plain City, Ohio, married Norman Yutzy in 1955. The…
Prospective parents sometimes ask me, “Why should we choose a Mennonite education for our student?” My answer? An EMS education offers strong academics and so much more! When they visit, I hope they – and their student – can feel that EMS is a place where: Joy for learning is cultivated. Teachers know each student and create…
Paging through old copies of Ember, the 2021 Ember staff noticed the stunning color image on the inside covers of the 1966 edition. A dash to the theatre department’s costume closet resulted in this “re-do.” Enjoy!