Alumni Archives

Seeing The Library Of Our Dreams Come True

September 12, 2019

Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of MPA families and supporters, Together, We Dream: The Campaign For MPA is making a big impact in our new commons, cafeteria, and kitchen and will very soon in our brand new library. Construction is progressing on schedule and we hope to unveil some sneak peeks soon of this beautiful new space.

On Tuesday, Conan Young, the construction supervisor who has overseen our projects with A&P Construction, got out his measuring tape during Ms. Lage’s reading circle to make sure there will be plenty of space for classes to circle up and hear a great book in the new Lower School library area. There will be many special features including flexible seating, quiet study spaces, collaborative areas, and a beautiful fireside seating area for students and groups to gather. Ms. Lage, MPA’s librarian shares, “The new space is being designed with many of the crucial 21st century skills in mind–critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration–that will enable students to co-create new knowledge, not simply be passive consumers of existing information.” Read More

Priority Report: Enhancing Social Environments

September 10, 2019

Together, We Dream is a unique philanthropic campaign supporting several key milestones with four distinct priorities. The first of these priorities was the completion of our school’s commons, cafeteria, and kitchen which students, faculty and staff, and community members are already enjoying. Thanks to your generosity, we are excited to share with you the impact of these new spaces. In the coming months, we will be sharing additional stories of impact and how Together, We Dream is helping to enhance social environments, create new learning spaces, secure our future, and advance athletics and Panther pride. On behalf of students, faculty, and staff, thank you.

The spaces we share matter. It’s where memories are created, learning is fostered, and our community is built.

“My son Henry LOVES the upgraded booth seating in his new cafeteria! Sitting at a booth for lunch was one of the highlights of his first day of school. He shared with me that he feels ‘lucky’ to have such a nice space for lunch,” said Suzanne Schwartz, MPA Parent. Read More

Connect With The MPA Parents Of Alumni

September 10, 2019

The MPA Parents of Alumni (POA) organization has been active since 2011. A group of parents wanted to stay connected to the friends they had made through the years their children were at MPA. Eight years later, the POA has a few annual traditions established with opportunities to add more events throughout each school year. The events are varied and invitations are issued through the MPA Development Office. The POA follows a flexible strategy that focuses our social events between May and November when parents of alumni are likely more available. The MPA POA Executive Board consists of Mary Jo Thrane, Jeanne Danaher, Chris Levesque, Amanda Campbell, Carey Ide, and Karla Myers. Each are members of the POA with alum from the graduating classes 2009–2018.

Recent Social Event
A few months ago, over 65 POA members gathered at the home of Peter and Mary Jo Thrane. The POA Summer Social and Annual Meeting is, “one of our favorite POA events,” said Mary Jo Thrane, current POA President. “Parents attended whose kids had graduated a decade ago, along with those whose students were in the class of 2019.” Events like the Summer Social are a wonderful time to connect with the incredible MPA community of parents. Read More

Dream, Play, Share: Homecoming 2019 is Fast Approaching!

September 10, 2019

Homecoming weekend 2019 is quickly coming up on September 27-28, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Join fellow MPA alums on Homecoming weekend to reconnect with friends, family, and faculty. Celebrate milestone reunions and participate in special, alumni-only activities. Welcome home, alumni, and we hope to see you soon! RSVP today for any of these events >

RENOVATION TOUR
11 AM • Lansing Lobby
Enjoy a meet and greet and tour of campus with Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school. Come see the newly renovated commons, cafeteria, + kitchen, and get a sneak peek of the library! No RSVP needed. Read More

A Message From Mike Velin ’06, Alumni Association Chair

September 10, 2019

by Mike Velin ’06, MPA Alumni Association Board Chair

As I write to you, I’m cherishing my own fond memories of Mr. Meacock and I’m sure many of you still remember your time in his classroom. It is in the spirit of those early MPA founding teachers and leaders that the MPA Alumni Association Board is kicking off a busy year of activities and opportunities for alumni to engage with current students, former classmates, and events on campus.

We have much to be grateful for from our MPA educational experience. It means so much to me to be able to stay engaged with MPA and to give back to current students. I’d like to encourage you to consider getting involved in a way that is meaningful for you. One way that will make a big impact is by joining this year’s cohort of MPA mentors for current seniors. We are in need of more volunteers to ensure every senior has a mentor. Help us to have another successful year of the mentorship program. Read More

Remembering Mr. Meacock

September 10, 2019

It is with great sadness that we share some very sad news from our MPA family. Mr. Richard Meacock, retired Upper School faculty and founding faculty member, has passed away after a long illness.

Mr. Meacock was a beloved faculty member at MPA since the school opened in 1982 and he will be greatly missed. His legacy will live on within these walls as we will forever be an inclusive, welcoming community because of his work. He impacted thousands of students, both academically and personally. Our alumni think clearer, love deeper, and laugh more for knowing him. Those gifts he gave will never be lost. Read More

Make And Create With MPA Fiber Friends

September 5, 2019

Fiber Friends is starting up again on Friday, September 6! This group of knitters, crocheters, and textile gurus is open to all parents, alums, grandparents, students, staff, and faculty. Beginners are always welcome! Bring in a project you are working on or if you are new to the group, we will provide you with supplies, guidance, and a smile to get started. Fiber Friends meets every Friday in the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace from 11-12:30.

Contact Ms. Koen, Makerspace coordinator, with any questions.

Going The Extra Mile

September 5, 2019

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Throughout middle and upper school, I was usually the tallest kid in the room. However, my coordination never seemed to be in sync with my height. Nevertheless, I was encouraged to play the center position on the basketball team and defensive end on the football team. There were many times I was discouraged, but I learned to push myself. In my junior and senior years, I saw very little playing time in basketball, but earned my place on the team in practices by playing center in scrimmages, going up against Pete. I was 6’3” and 160 pounds. Pete was 6’5’’ and 230 pounds. Over the course of two years, I sustained a broken leg, several sprained ankles, black eyes, bruised ribs, and other injuries … all thanks to my friend, Pete.

A great deal of the success I’ve had to date can be credited to lessons I learned from those experiences. For example, whether it was pushing myself to finish my doctorate, dealing with difficult problems at work, overcoming personal challenges, or running a 10K, I am stronger because of the endurance I have learned. While some may define endurance as suffering, I view it in a positive light—an indication of growth and accomplishment. Read More

Creating Community: Connectedness, Belonging, and Academic Success

August 29, 2019

Schools are busy places. Filled with energy, excitement, and activity, the dynamic ecosystem of a school creates a natural space for interaction among students, faculty, and families. But simply being together in the same place, at the same time, doesn’t automatically foster an environment where students feel interconnected, welcomed, and known. Creating community is an active, deliberate process. It’s a core accountability for academic institutions, and an essential element of MPA’s DNA—it’s built into who were are and what we do, with a support system that fuels academic success and facilitates a lifetime of wellbeing for students.

“As a parent and a member of the administrative team, I can speak to my own personal experience about the impact of MPA’s community,” shares Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement. “I started in my role, and my children started as MPA students, in mid-October of last year. It was definitely a big change, with my then second and seventh grader having already begun the academic year at other schools. But from the start, what they experienced in their classrooms, with their peers and from their teachers helped them feel they could make this transition, and my children never looked back. As a mom, that meant everything and put my mind at ease. And as development director, it’s so inspiring to see how in this community everyone chips in—not just through philanthropy, but also in the time and talents they share with our school.” Read More

Congratulations To Coach Biever!

August 29, 2019

Congratulations to MPA Boys Tennis Coach Bryan Biever! Coach Biever has been voted as the Class A Coach of the Year! The award will be given at a banquet in October.

Last spring, the MPA Boys Tennis Team won the State Championship and Parker Law ’19 finished as the 2019 MSHSL State Class A Singles Champion.

The MPA boys tennis program provides an opportunity for Panthers to learn a life-long sport, represent their school and community, and expand essential character skills through the game of tennis. MPA coaches strive to develop tennis players of all ability levels, improving their tennis skills and knowledge. An honor well deserved, Coach!