The Latest
You're Invited: Alumni Homecoming at EDS!
Mark your calendar and dust off your playground memories—it's time to come home to Erie Day School! Join fellow alumni, families, and friends for a joyful afternoon of connection and celebration at our Alumni Homecoming on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 4–6 PM.
We’ll gather picnic-style at the back of campus, where you’ll enjoy schoolyard games, delicious food, and plenty of laughs as we revisit the past and celebrate the present. Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, we can’t wait to welcome you back.
Alumni of all ages and their families are welcome! Let’s make new memories where it all began.
RSVP to Christina Katen at ckaten@eriedayschool.com or call 814.452.4273.
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The Students
We’re thrilled to share that every Erie Day School team placed in the Top Ten in the state at the recent Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition! Our talented students showcased their skills, teamwork, and business acumen across a variety of categories—and now, they’re headed to California this summer to compete at the national level!
Evren earned 2nd place in Exploring Business Ethics, while Alex, Ethan, and Luca took 2nd place in Critical Thinking.
4th place finishes went to Aaron, William, and Bryn in Exploring Business Ethics; Theofanis, Leo, and Ayaan in Exploring Website Design; Fiona and Becca in the Video Cam Challenge; and Jillian in Social Media Concepts.
Leo, Jake, and Ahmed earned 5th place in Exploring Business Ethics.
Arjun placed 6th in Sports & Entertainment Management Concepts, and Angeliki and Louisa also took 6th place in the Marketing Mix Challenge.
Finally, Amir and Julian placed 7th in Critical Thinking, and Jared and Vihaan earned 7th place in Exploring Business Ethics.
A huge congratulations to all our students—and a heartfelt thank you to their dedicated advisors, Mrs. Janis Filbeck and Ms. Linsey Dodis, for their outstanding leadership and support. Way to go, EDS—California, here we come!
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The Campus
The Erie Day School Spartan soccer teams have kicked off their season—and we’re off to a great start! Our Varsity team opened with a strong win against St. George, and our JV squad earned a well-fought tie against St. Jude. This year’s teams are talented, determined, and ready for success.
We’re also excited to share that this year’s “Raise the Paddle” initiative at the Erie Day School fundraising auction gave us a strong start toward improving our soccer field—an exciting step toward creating a true home field advantage for our student-athletes! The goal is to bring the field to regulation size for 9v9 play, allowing us to host scrimmages and future tournaments right here on campus.
The soccer field expansion is part of Erie Day School’s five-year strategic plan, focused on enhancing our facilities and supporting continued growth. Thanks to generous supporters, we're well on our way—and now working to raise the remaining $7,000 to complete the project.
Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply committed to the future of EDS, your support will help bring this vision to life. Together, we can ensure our students have a place to play, grow, and proudly represent Erie Day School on their home turf.
To contribute or learn more, contact Christina Katen
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The Teachers
Erie Day School is excited to announce the appointment of Mitchell McVeigh as our new Performing Arts Educator for the 2025–26 school year. Mitchell recently visited campus, where he was warmly welcomed by students and faculty alike as he prepares to step into the role so meaningfully held by Mrs. Cherie Lachowski.
A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, and graduate of McDowell High School, Mitchell studied Vocal Performance at Baldwin Wallace University. As a tenor in the university’s esteemed chorus, he brings not only strong vocal talent but also a deep appreciation for music in all its forms. When asked about his favorite composers, he names Alan Menken, Eric Whitacre, and Daniel Elder—admiring their ability to craft simplicity into genius.
Mitchell is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist, having played the flute for nearly two decades and the oboe for ten years. His diverse musical background and passion for performance will bring fresh energy and creativity to EDS's performing arts program.
This exciting new chapter comes as we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Mrs. Cherie Lachowski, who will retire at the end of this academic year. Cherie has devoted her career to building and enriching the performing arts at EDS, inspiring generations of students to discover the joy of music. Her leadership, imagination, and infectious enthusiasm have left an enduring imprint on our school community.
As we prepare to bid farewell to a beloved educator and welcome a new one, our commitment to the arts at EDS remains stronger than ever. We look forward to the vision and enthusiasm Mitchell McVeigh will bring as he carries on the tradition of excellence in performing arts education.
Stay tuned as we warmly welcome Mitchell into the EDS family.
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The Alumni
On March 14, Markella Nacopoulos, Erie Day School Class of 2022 and current United Nations Girl Delegate, delivered a high-level intervention on the floor of the United Nations to world leaders and UN Member States during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
Markella was one of just 15 distinguished young women in the country selected as a UN Girl Delegate by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council of North and South America. The Council applied to the UN on Markella’s behalf, giving her the opportunity to share her voice during a global interactive dialogue. Her speech, advocating for the rights of girls worldwide, was co-authored by Markella and the Archdiocesan Council. At their request, she delivered a portion of the address in the Greek language, honoring both her heritage and the global nature of the gathering.
Her full address can be viewed on the UN Web TV site here (beginning at 59:32).
The Commission on the Status of Women is the principal international body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. During her week at CSW69, Markella engaged in high-level meetings, side events, panel discussions, and parallel events alongside UN Member States, civil society organizations, and various UN entities. She participated in the revision of official UN documents and visited several UN Missions.
Among the highlights of her experience, Markella was selected to lead a discussion with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America in New York City.
This marks Markella’s second year advocating at the United Nations. In 2023, she participated in CSW68, and in October 2024, she addressed UN leaders at a town hall meeting in the ECOSOC chambers during the International Day of the Girl.
Now beginning her third-year appointment as a UN Girl Delegate, Markella continues to distinguish herself on a global stage. Erie Day School extends heartfelt congratulations to Markella on this remarkable honor and wishes her continued success in her important advocacy work for the advancement of women and girls around the world.
Do you have exciting EDS alumni news to share? To have your story featured in "The Spartan" send information to ckaten@eriedayschool.com
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We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of The Thomas Vicary Art Gallery, located inside the Griffith Lobby at Erie Day School. Made possible through a generous gift from the Vicary Family Foundation in loving memory of Thomas Vicary (1941–2018), this space honors a proud EDS alumnus whose legacy includes devoted service as President of the Board of Trustees.
The Vicary family is deeply rooted in the arts—both as creators and collectors of prestigious works. Their lifelong commitment to the creative world is reflected in their personal artistic achievements and their support of renowned institutions. It is only fitting that this new gallery will open with an exhibit featuring pieces by members of the Vicary family, offering a glimpse into their rich artistic heritage.
Please join us for the grand opening on Thursday, May 15, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. during the Erie Day School Arts Walk. Visitors will be among the first to view the inaugural exhibit and celebrate the transformation of this special space, which has been thoughtfully renovated with new lighting, drywall, and other enhancements to complement daily life at EDS.
The Thomas Vicary Art Gallery stands as a lasting tribute to a beloved member of our school community and to a family whose love for the arts continues to inspire.
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Save The Date
Thursday, May 15th: Grand Opening of the
The Thomas Vicary Art Gallery
Join us at EDS during the Arts Walk.
Thursday, May 15th: Retirement Open House for Dr. Karen Tyler
Join us at EDS during the Arts Walk.
Friday, May 23rd: Alumni Homecoming
4 - 6 PM
Join us in the outdoor space at the back of campus.
Thursday, June 5th: Eighth Grade Graduation
7 PM
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Erie Day School
Spirit Store
Looking for a way to show your Erie Day School pride? Our Spirit Store has everything from cozy hoodies and performance tees to stylish hats, water bottles, blankets, and even tie-dye items. Whether you're a Spartan fan, a proud alumnus, or a family member looking for a perfect gifts, you'll find dedicated sections just for you. Ten percent of all sales from the Spirit Store are donated back to Erie Day School Parent Group and support events like Field Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Founder's Day Ice Cream Social and more.
Shop Now!
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Erie Day School Recognition Tree
Erie Day School offers a unique opportunity for families to etch their legacy into the institution's history by purchasing a leaf for our Recognition Tree. Crafted by local artist Adam Stempka of Stempka Designs, this custom piece invites families to honor or remember a student, teacher, philanthropist, or special person or family with a laser-engraved birch leaf. The tree is located on the exterior wall at the Griffith Lobby entrance patio.
Purchase a Leaf
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