by Neha Skandan

The start of the second semester at Moravian Academy was welcomed with a surprising snow day. Students and faculty had a day off to drink hot chocolate and build cheerful snowmen, and, of course, to shovel snow. Nonetheless, Moravian’s return to in-person instruction brightened the snowy campus scenery.

Due to COVID-19, the Colonial League postponed winter athletics until mid-January. Athletes are currently hard at work during practice, with a hope to continue years of success during these unprecedented times. Moravian swimmers and divers are preparing for the PIAA Championships. The girls basketball team has prioritized teamwork.

“We’ve really been coming together as a team with strong collaboration and communication,” senior and captain Chloe Wreaks said. “It’s been challenging figuring out how to play during the pandemic, but I am so pleased with how we have been handling the situation and that we are still able to play.”

Apart from sports, many students have been participating virtually in a variety of school and community activities. Moravian’s Business Club competed at the virtual Pennsylvania DECA state event, and the Speech and Debate Team qualified for the Allentown Diocese Forensic League National Qualifiers tournament. The Diversity Club attended the 2020 Online Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), a multi-day conference that engages students in conversations about community, equity, and justice.

Several Upper School students also submitted their artwork to Healing Through the Arts, a nonprofit that provides free art to healthcare workers and others to inspire hope. Moravian’s Service Club aims to help the community outdoors, as they spent winter break cleaning up along the Lehigh River in Hugh Moore Canal Park, and most recently, helped community members shovel snow.

Moravian Academy also cherished the holidays by upholding special events in a unique setting. The Upper School Performing Arts put on an exciting virtual Coffeehouse. From socially-distanced group singing to mixed media presentations, the annual variety show brought holiday cheer as the performance arts department released the pre-recorded acts at the start of winter break.

Furthermore, the Moravian community celebrated Christmas with a historic virtual Vespers that streamed Dec. 16. This beautiful service carries on a tradition that has existed since the founding of Moravian. This year’s Vespers combined both new recordings and past musical moments from the Upper and Middle School Chorale, Chamber Singers, Handbell Ensembles and the Upper School String Orchestra. The virtual service also included unique presentations of hymns, as the recording strung pictures of all Moravian students and faculty holding papers with song lyrics to embrace the unity of our community.

From treasured traditions to athletics and arts, Moravian Academy strives to continue pursuing diverse opportunities, even if they take place virtually. Students and faculty can currently be found indoors, bracing for the cold weather and ready to embark on the adventures of a new semester.