By Matthew Tavarez ’22 News Reporter
“Where Boys Will Be Men” best describes the dorm where all ninth grade males start their Mercersburg journey. Tippetts Hall, known as the Tip or T-Town, has been a major part of many first impressions. For example, one of the first people I met in the dorm, Scott Mattson ’22, ended up becoming a close friend and one of my current roommates in Tippetts this year.
Not all choose to stay in Tippetts, but those who do have their reasons. Mattson said, “Tippetts is like a family. You have the new, younger brothers who are coming in for their first year at Mercersburg Academy and trying to learn the ropes while transitioning into a different style of life. Then there are the big brothers or prefects of the family who are always there if there is anything needed by the little brothers. Finally there are the middle children who help their little brothers in whatever they may be doing while still having to listen to their big brother.” Scott is right about the dorm being such a family. Tippetts is a dorm where lifelong friendships are made.
Faculty members associated are always willing to lend advice or share stories. Admission officer Zach Swope is beloved by most if not all of the dorm and has been with Tippetts for many years. Swope said, “I enjoy being in Tippetts because we get to help and be involved with the experience for many of the new students each year. Between the time new students move in and after the first few weeks of school, we see so much growth and development as students find their footing here, begin trying new things, and start immersing themselves in the life of our school and community.”
Dorm dean Laura Patterson is the “mother” to the boys. She along with other resident faculty members organize dorm treats like nachos and grilled cheese sandwiches, and dorm activities like wrestling or dodgeball. Alum and four-year Tippetts resident Raphael Gotera ’19 says, “Mrs. Patterson took care of us as if we were her own sons. She worried for us and celebrated us throughout our four years. I think that Mrs. Patterson, along with amazing advisors, kept my friends and me from leaving Tippetts after freshman year because it just felt so much like home. Also, Glenn would have missed me too much if I left.” Tippetts became an integral part of many boys’ lives.
Tippetts is welcoming because of the understanding shown to students starting new at Mercersburg who do not necessarily understand all the in’s and out’s of being away from home. “The sense of brotherhood really makes Tippetts stand out because of how close we all are and our traditions which bring us together,” says prefect Marco Malo ’21. The Tippetts community helps the boys grow into men by providing all the help they might need when getting accustomed to the demands of high school without the guidance of their parents.
Alum, former prefect, and four-year Tippetts resident Hunter Roberts ’19 says, “Because of our close-knit relationship, we were very fortunate to do so many things together such wrestling, dodgeball, cereal nights. I remember when everyone gathered in the common room to watch a big sports game. The noise was ridiculous The incredible bonds I made at Tippetts made my time at Mercersburg great.”