The Moravian Academy Upper School had the opportunity to attend an in-person visit from author Wayétu Moore, whose memoir, “The Dragons, The Giant, The Women,” will be read by freshmen in the spring semester. In reference to identity and self-discovery, Moore spoke of the many layers, similar to those of an onion, each human being maintains. Many members of the audience related to Moore’s words especially, junior Okezue Bell.

Okezue felt a personal connection with Moore. “As a Nigerian, I was so inspired by Wayetú’s ability to articulate her experience being a ‘mixed’ black individual. I myself am mixed in the sense that my dad is black American and my mom is Nigerian, and I’ve constantly thought about new ways to explore my hyphenated identity. Wayetú Moore has inspired me to delve deeper into my family history, and it was so amazing to hear about hers.”

Moore is a member of the Narrative 4 organization, which encourages empathy through the act of storytelling. The junior and freshman classes at Moravian have read Narrative 4 founder Colum McCann’s “Apeirogon” as part of their English curriculum. In fact, juniors in Writing and Rhetoric ended the semester with a midterm designed to imitate the “canto” format of McCann’s novel. The Narrative 4 influence is evident in all classrooms as students participate in story shares and contemplative essays.

The Lions have had some noteworthy successes on the field, court and pool. Seniors Gennaro Mazella and Chloe Oudin both received the honor of placement on the “All-State Soccer Team.” The two plan to further their academic and athletic careers on the fields of Lehigh University and Saint Joseph’s University, respectively.

The boys swim team has only suffered one defeat so far this season, with a record of 10-1. The same cannot be said of the boys basketball team. Team captain and senior Abhishek Patel led the team, however, to an unexpected victory against Wilson this past week. The whole team, both JV and varsity, stormed the court to cheer after Abhishek scored a buzzer-beating three-pointer.

“People were expecting us to lose against Wilson,” Abhisheck said, “but we played together and never gave up. Our season has had some ups and downs due to injuries and COVID-19 quarantines, but we still played through it and stayed positive.”

Both Abhishek and junior Christopher Ray were listed within the top 50 scorers in the Lehigh Valley. Additionally, Abhishek was designated as Coordinated Health’s Colonial League Athlete of the Week and Christopher as an honorable mention. Abhishek, Christopher and the team look to the next games with determination in hope of earning a playoff spot in the District 10 1A tournament.

In a look toward the future spring sports season, the boys lacrosse team, paired with neighbor high school Notre Dame Green Pond, started their preseason two weeks ago. The team has been practicing in the Moravian Athletic and Wellness Center every Sunday in hopes of replacing the holes left by talented seniors who graduated this past year. Current senior Andrew Burke said team members are very excited to get back on the field.

‘After a hard end to last season we have only been motivated to perform better,” he added.

The Moravian Academy orchestra program has celebrated a few successes in the past month as some of its violinists were accepted into Region V orchestra and Pennsylvania All-State orchestra. The audition process, although virtual, was very difficult and required dedication from all who applied.

“It was nerve-wracking to open up the roster as the excerpts this year were especially difficult,” said Junior Yan Yu, “but I’m very glad and honored to have gotten into states this year.”

Juniors Yan Yu, Elena Capobianco, Okezue Bell, and sophomores Francesca Bartolacci and Emma Derby will be performing in the Region V orchestra festival in Hazleton Feb. 26. Elena, Yan and Emma will also be performing in the Pennsylvania All-State orchestra festival at Kalahari April 9.