Learning Demonstration Day is an event during which students showcase their best projects, accomplishments, and performances. On March 14th, Malvern students from 6th to 12th grade enjoyed a special schedule, including mass, before observing or participating in Learning Demonstration Day. This time allows students to reflect on why they work so hard, and Malvern students value this experience as a beneficial time to showcase their talents.

Mr. Pannulla, who runs Learning Demonstration Day, talked about the day and how it serves the students. When asked about what the layout would look like this year, Mr. Pannulla explained that it will be much different than last year. Students participated in “demonstration rotations” in which students showed off projects. Students who have stood out on Malvern’s campus were spotlighted. Many of those students have participated in music ensembles and other learning activities outside of Warren Avenue. Aside from the four stations each student will participate in, there will also be a gallery walk in the middle of the day. Next, Mr. Pannulla was asked how the event began, and he responded, “LDD was started to allow time for students to highlight their amazing work inside and outside of school.” He added that there were too many times when students did incredible things but didn’t get to showcase them. Then, when asked about the day’s impact on our student body, he said, “This day gives them a moment they might not have otherwise.” Lastly, Mr. Pannulla spoke about his personal experience and his favorite part about the day, and he highlighted that while he loves seeing students truly be excited about their work, “school is not just work – it is something that many students have put their hearts and souls into.” For instance, Wave Hydration (Friar Fuel) a project that started as an Incubator Grant and now has branched off into a company that has a product that many people tasted during Learning Demonstration Day. Wave Hydration now has an official website, and countless Malvern students dedicate portions of their school day to make everything come together. Everyone loves the drink, but it wasn’t just made right away. It took countless hours of dedication from Josh Gorman, who worked in the Student Idea Center each day, along with a number of fellow Friars who helped out as well.

Countless students gave high remarks about this day, as it looked different from past years. The day became more focused on interaction because even if a student wasn’t participating and showcasing a talent or project, they got the chance to use all of their senses to engage in different activities and stations. During the day there were “rotations” other than the main gallery walk. The Malvern Art Society showed countless pieces they worked on, including songs, shows, and art compositions. Many students were intrigued by a student who had worked on hundreds of pottery pieces including plates, vases, and cups. Others may have loved the number of different ensembles like Men’s Chorus, Liturgical Music, God Band, Jazz Band, and MS Band. Others enjoyed the samples of Malvern-made hot sauce and Wave Hydration, as well as the MS art installations.

Learning Demonstration Day had something for everyone. Parents loved seeing the student body’s success. Students enjoyed the activities throughout the day. Lastly, teachers watched everything come together that the students worked on, which wouldn’t be possible without them.