A thinker, a leader, an organizer and an achiever…

...these are the words that come to mind to describe, Maci Wert ’19, who has been a student at Harrisburg Academy since she’s been three years-old.  Over the past few years, her parents and teachers have watched her grow and mature into a successful fifth-grade student who excels academically and artistically. 

Maci is very musically inclined—she’s a vocalist, pianist and violinist. She has participated in the Lower School orchestra and is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Suzuki Institute.  She takes private voice lessons from a professor at Penn State’s Harrisburg campus and performs with the Harrisburg Youth Choir. Last year, Heather Woodbridge, the chair of the Academy’s music department, stretched Maci’s skills by giving her a lead solo in the annual holiday concert.  This year, as she enters Middle School, she is looking forward to participating in the school musical.

While she spends much of her time focusing on her classwork and music lessons, Maci’s true passion is painting.  Lower School art teacher, Tina Phillips is her greatest inspiration.  Last year, Mrs. Phillips remarked on a progress report that “Maci shows social maturity and the ability to work with self-confidence and independence.  She has outstanding skills in all areas far exceeding grade level expectation.” 

Maci recently created several paintings which she turned into bookmarks, coasters and other projects.  She then sold her projects and donated the proceeds to Downtown Daily Bread in Harrisburg to help fight hunger.  Her mother, Yijin said, “Maci loves painting.  It is very rewarding for her to see that her hobby turned out to be something meaningful in her life.”

She is also very involved in Chinese cultural activities.  She is half-Chinese and is interested in Chinese culture and actively involved in promoting it within the school. Every year, around the Chinese New Year, kindergarten teacher Elaine Price and second-grade teacher Michelle Woodfork invite Maci to their classes to talk about China to their classes. 

After her presentation last year, Mrs. Woodfork said, “Maci was awesome!  It looked like she spent some time putting her presentation together.  It was well organized, kid-friendly, and she sounded like a teacher!  I am so proud of her and how mature she continues to get.”  

Yijin will admit that Maci has always been advanced compared to other children her age. She remarks, “As parents, we want a school that offers a curriculum that is tailored to her academic level and keeps her challenged.  The Academy exceeds our expectations. To me, good learning habits and strong character are far more important than just good grades.  The Academy has trained Maci to be self-motivated and self-confident.”

Gifts to the Academy Fund make it possible for Harrisburg Academy to attract and support students of the highest caliber. Please click on “Support the Academy.” Gifts received by June 30, 2012 will count toward this year’s fundraising goal.