Anton Chekov once said, “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” Well, friends, let’s be clear: we’re noticing. Though very happy after a long winter break, students cannot find it within themselves to ignore the single-digit temperatures showing up on the weather reports. I have never seen freshmen move so fast to get to class on these frigid snowless mornings. All of a sudden, the five-minute passing period between classes seems almost too generous. But we will soldier on, armed with furry, hideous hats and to-go cups of cocoa from our dining room, trudging out to pursue knowledge in its newest landscape of the year – winter.

Moravian Academy Vespers took place Dec. 10. I can honestly say, as someone who practices a faith outside of Christianity, there is nothing, nothing in this world more beautiful than the sound of “All Creation” echoing off the white walls that shimmer with the glow of a hundred candles. Annie Karras (grade 11) says that the service, “…really brings us all together. I love how a huge community can take the time to recognize such an important time of the year. It makes us feel like a family.”

As the rest of us are trying to make it through these short cold days at school, our friends in the theater department are busy extending their days to include rigorous rehearsals for our winter musical, “Big Fish.” The show will run March 4, 5 and 6 and tickets can be bought starting in mid-February. Isabelle LeBoutiller (grade 12), who is to play the part of Jenny, an old flame of the protagonist, says of the process, “My favorite part is making friends with underclassmen – in a Southern accent!” Right now the cast is said to be working on their “Alabama Stomp.” Ladies and gentlemen, I do declare that should be the finest show we have ever seen.

Winter sports are gearing up again, and we are so very proud of the MA Lions as they continue to do well in all of our winter sports. Swim team has been doing very well so far this season. The Moravian Lions, or fishes, as they should perhaps be called, are notorious for sending swimmers to the state championships every year. The swim team won its first three meets, starting the season off with a tremendous advantage. Samantha Marino (grade 12) says of the swim team’s victory against Allentown Central Catholic, “It was a very big deal to beat Central Catholic because they beat us in Districts [championship] last year.” The boys swim team suffered a narrow loss against Central Catholic, but team members are looking forward to their next meet against Phillipsburg. Girls basketball has been very successful too of late. They recently beat Saucon Valley, leaving them with a 6-3 record. Well done to all of our athletes!

With our eyes already on spring break, Moravian students are determinedly getting through our winter days. From the academy to all of you at home, we wish you a winter worth noticing.