The Mount Summer Story Series 2024 - Follow Our Students & Faculty as They Pursue Their Passions Over the Summer

2024 North American Irish Dance Championship - Summer Delli Carpini '25

This summer, Summer Delli Carpini '25 competed in the 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships in Grapevine, Texas. She competed in the U17 age group earning 16th place for her impressive performance. We are so proud of you and this achievement!

Committed to Collegiate Softball - Charlotte Kephart '25

Charlotte Kephart '25 shares her #MountSummerStory of achieving her dream of becoming a collegiate softball player! In July, she committed to Gwynedd Mercy University and is ecstatic to see her hard work pay off. Congratulations to reaching this milestone Charlotte!

Creative Writing Summer School at Oxford University - Ms. Janet Iafrate

Ms. Janet Iafrate shares her #MountSummerStory of her time abroad! Over the summer, she joined 80 people from around the world at the Creative Writing Summer School at Oxford University, Exeter College. She was able to attend classes, participated in daily workshops, and attended lectures on topics like world-building and publishing trends. Ms. Iafrate explains that not only did she and her peers walk away with a deeper understanding of storytelling, but the experience also helped her to rediscover the value of putting thoughts on paper, and how the practice can positively affect a person’s life.

Fun fact: Ms. Iafrate walked the same halls, and garden paths, and studied in the same library as renowned writers J.R.R. Tolkien and Philip Pullman!

Ithaca College Summer Theatre Conservatory - Grace Balkowski '26

Grace Balkowski '26 is excited to share her #MountSummerStory about the time she spent at Ithaca College’s Summer Theatre Conservatory! This program allowed her to spend three weeks living on campus to undergo rigorous conservatory-style classes. Ithaca College is known as one of the top musical theatre schools in the country with only a handful of acceptance every year. Grace was able to learn from esteemed professors and gain invaluable experience during her three weeks!

Health and Biomedical Sciences Summer Camp at Lebanon Valley College - Madeline McLean '27

Next in our #MountSummerStory series, Madeline McLean ‘27 shares her experience at The Health and Biomedical Sciences Summer Camp at Lebanon Valley College! This week-long residential camp is for students interested in pursuing science and health professions, while learning in a college environment. Madeline was able to explore disciplines such as molecular biology, neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, and immunology. In addition to learning other STEM disciplines, she interacted with practicing professionals in the fields of medicine, physical therapy, toxicology, genetic counseling and biomedical lab research. Madeline gives thanks to Mr. Fabrey in the counseling department for this recommendation!

Studying the Arts through the Council of International Educational Exchange (CIEE) - Ella Lin '26

Ella Lin ‘26 highlights her #MountSummerStory: studying the arts in Prague! Through the Council of International Educational Exchange (CIEE), she spent three weeks taking art classes ranging from printmaking and using drypoint linocut to painting still life and spray painting methods. She also learned various photography methods such as long exposure, working with a pinhole camera, and creating photograms. Outside of the classroom, the program led guided tours where Ella and her classmates explored the city of Prague and the towns of Kunta Hora and Český Krumlov. The group learned how to make traditional Czech Republic food and a bit about the history. They also had the opportunity to explore ancient mines and museums and  participated in shared activities with local high schoolers.

Summer at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) - Raegan Fleming '25

Raegan Fleming spent her summer at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) at its Opportunities Academy. In her #MountSummerStory, Raegan shared that this is her second year attending this program, led by second year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students. During the week-long experience, Raegan and her peers learned about the GI system, the heart, forensics, and much more! As a mentee, she had the opportunity to shadow a doctor and a student-nurse for the day. The program has inspired her to pursue a healthcare career and she encourages fellow Mounties to apply if they’re interested—the application opens around in the spring!

Serving the Dear Neighbor at SSJ Welcome Center - Emerson '27 and Quinn '28 Gorniak

Emerson ‘27 and Quinn ‘28 share their #MountSummerStory of serving their dear neighbors! The two collected over 100 sweatshirts from family, friends, neighbors, and teammates to donate to the Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. The donations collected will be distributed this fall and winter to those in need. 

Internship with La Tavola in Italy - Rahel Rego '26

Rahel Rego ‘26 shares her #MountSummerStory: a thrilling internship abroad at La Tavola, an Italian company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and sale of tabletop products.The major highlights of Rahel’s experience include learning about market research and analysis, product conceptualization, and the creation of product renderings. Rahel had the unique opportunity to learn directly from La Travola’s Chief of Design Agrlos Fistouris. 

Scuba Certification and Marine Biology College Credits in the Carribbean - Sofia Romano '25

This summer, Sofia Romano '25 shares her #MountSummerStory of spending three weeks in the Caribbean on a catamaran, where she earned her scuba diving certification and college credits in Marine Biology. Alongside eleven other teens, they explored topics like marine animals, flora, environmental issues, tides, and ocean chemistry. Throughout the trip, they also engaged in service projects, including clearing a coral reef nursery.

Future Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Program - Gabi Balartna '26

Gabi Balartna ‘26 spent her summer at the Future Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Program! In her  #MountSummerStory, she got to explore the structure of government and interacted with representatives from various agencies. A highlight of her experience was connecting with Mount alumna Judge Kelley B. Hodge ‘89!