May 19, 2025
from Tim Koerner ’03
If you are reading this, you have your own, distinct memories of what it was like to graduate from MPA and your senior year. The auditorium, the proud friends and family, receiving your diploma, and taking pictures on the campus lawn in your cap and gown…
While the classic elements of an MPA graduation have remained the same for more than four decades, a new, poignant element was introduced to the graduation season in 2017—the Senior Walk.
MPA’s director of college counseling, Lisa Pederson, describes the event:
“The Senior Walk debuted in 2017, bringing the whole school community together to honor the graduating class. Seniors process through campus in their graduation gowns, stopping for quick hugs and high-fives from cheering teachers, parents, and friends from other grades. Led by Dr. Hudson, the parade emerges from the Lower School entrance—where some seniors started their MPA education—and follows the sidewalk west to finish at Door 4, near the Black Box. It’s become a fun and beloved tradition for the MPA community, while as a teacher and parent of recent MPA alums, I’ve found it to be a poignant moment as well.”
This year’s Senior Walk will take place on Friday, May 23, at 1 PM, and you can catch last year’s Senior Walk for the Class of 2024 here.
Watching the Senior Walk is often a culmination of sorts for younger Panther classes, who interact with and are exposed to the Seniors and their college selection process throughout the year. Read More
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
What is it about a PreK-12 learning environment that is uniquely powerful? Beyond just academics, this type of community fosters a sense of continuity, belonging, and deep-rooted connection that enriches the student experience. From the first day of school to graduation, students are surrounded by a familiar group of peers who nurture their growth and support their dreams. At MPA, this all-encompassing model creates a dynamic environment where meaningful relationships flourish, learning is intentionally built upon, and students are empowered to thrive.
from Jay Dean, assistant Upper School director and Panther Post guest contributor
This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the May 8 issue of Inside MPA. 
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
At Mounds Park Academy, music is much more than an extracurricular activity. It plays a vital part in a child’s cognitive and emotional development by engaging the brain in ways few other disciplines can. It sharpens memory, strengthens attention, and boosts language skills. But beyond academic growth, music also nurtures empathy, creativity, and social and emotional intelligence through composing, performing, or simply listening. This is why music plays an essential role in Mounds Park Academy’s whole child, progressive, college-preparatory curriculum, PreK through grade 12.