MOUNT MERCY ACADEMY July 2008 Newsletter

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 48

S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T :

♦ July 4: School Closed

Independence Day

♦ July 7-11: GAL Camp at

MMA for Girls ages 7-12

♦ July 7-24: Mercy Prep

8:30-11:45 Mon-Thurs

A Message from our Principal Sincerely, Paulette C. Gaske Principal

July, 2008 Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thursday, June 5, 2008 was an evening to remember. It was the night of the 103rd graduation of Mount Mercy Academy. There were 123 beautiful young graduates on the stage of Kleinhans Music Hall along with the Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy, members of the Board of Trustees and the administration of the school. Out in the audi-ence sat hundreds of proud family and friends along with over 60 members of the Class of 1958 celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation. We were just getting reading to announce the name of the first graduate when we heard a loud pop and the lights went out in Kleinhans. As you can well imagine, the darkness was almost total. After what seemed an eternity, the emergency generator kicked in and we had enough lighting so that safety was no longer an issue. The microphones still worked, but the photographer was unable to take pictures. As we were trying to determine what to do, the girls began to sing the Suscipe. I was speechless.

Here at the Academy we use the Suscipe at the end of every assembly and at special occasions such as Ring Day or National Honor Society induction. But here was a sponta-neous rendition of the much beloved song at a time when the girls could have just chatted or gotten out-of-hand. Instead they calmed all of us with their singing and I would like to think that Catherine McAuley smiled down on us that night. I also would like to think that our former principal, Terry Smerka, was with Catherine very much approving of the pro-ceedings. Mr. Smerka had passed away the previous weekend after a long bout with can-cer and his funeral was the following day. I also would like to believe they were joined by Katie Magle and Jenny Karalus, members of the Class of 2006 who were taken from us too soon. Katie’s sister Kelly was one of the graduates on stage and a good friend of Jenny’s as well.

Whether it was a sign from above or just a faulty transmitter for National Grid, the impact was thought-provoking. This evening could have descended into chaos. Instead we were treated to the voices of young women singing a song fraught with meaning to many on stage and in the audience. That they would turn to this song on an impulse brought tears to my eyes. I have never been as proud of them as I was that night.

In the dim light available to us we listened to the words of Sister Sally Walz who reflected on the word “rose.” Each girl carried a rose that night and Sister Sally talked about rooted-ness (being rooted in values), owe (to whom much is given…), self and earth. Sister had requested that the senior members of the Women’s Choir sing The Rose following her address. Once again the voices of these young women drifted out over the darkened audi-torium and I defy anyone to say they were not moved by the words of the address and the song. Soon Sr. Sally, so long an integral part of the Academy, will move on to other minis-tries. No matter where she is or what she does, she will always be associated with Mount Mercy Academy and her legacy and devotion to the school and to education will continue to shape us a we go forward. Just like we will never forget that graduation night, we will never forget Sr. Sally Walz. God bless her and may she never be far from our thoughts. I know we will be in hers. Sincerely, Paulette Gaske Principal

MAIN OFFICE /BUSINESS OFFICE SUMMER HOURS: JULY 7-AUGUST 15 8:00 AM—1:00 PM

MMA Principal Mrs. Paulette Gaske confers a diploma to

Graduate Maggie Barnes

Above: Smiles among friends on

Graduation night

Left: Sister Sally Walz assists MMA student

Rachel Blackey

From the Health Office:

Physicals: New York State Mandates

Health Information for all students:

Parents of incoming sophomores, athletes or any student new to Mount Mercy Academy: Please call your physician or pediatri-cian’s office now to schedule your summer physical and return completed physical forms to the Health Office as soon as it is completed. Any questions call 825-8796.

Parents of Incoming Freshmen:

If your daughter is planning to try out for a fall sport (soccer, volleyball,

cross country, swimming, and golf) the following forms must be returned to Mt. Mercy Academy no later than

Friday, August 15, 2008.

*Current Physical Exam performed by pediatrician.

*Official Record of Immunizations. *Health History completed by parent.

If student is participating in sports- *Sports Update form completed

by parent and student.

Tryouts for fall sports begin on Monday, August 18, 2008.

No student will be allowed to participated in the tryouts without

these forms on file.

If your daughter is not trying out for a fall sport the Health Appraisal form

and the Health history for sports participation form must be turned in

to Mt. Mercy no later than Sept. 3, 2008.

Any questions:

Please call the Health Office or Main Office at

825-8796.

From the Athletic Director:

The athletic fee for the 2008-2009 school

year will be $100 per sport.

Important dates for the fall season: August 13th – 6:00 pm in the dining hall – all fall athletes must attend a meeting to

turn in physicals and meet with coaches

August 18th – 1st day fall sports can begin practicing.

Just a reminder that all athletes trying out for fall sports must have a physical on file

at Mt. Mercy that is dated between August 1, 2007 and August 18, 2008.

SUMMER REMINDERS!

MMA UNIFORM INFORMATION: Dear Parents, In preparation for the fall school year, there are a few items that parents and students need know before Sep-tember concerning uniforms.

Since it is summer, it is a good time for uniforms to be dry cleaned. The uniform skort is required to be in good order- meaning it fits your daughter and is the proper length. Please take a moment to examine your daugh-ter’s skort and see if, in addition to cleaning, it needs a new hem or buttons. Also, because your daughter has probably grown, the length may need to be altered, or possible a new skort needs to be purchased. Uniforms should not be rolled at the waist. Please be aware that in September, if your daughter’s skort is not in accordance with the uniform policy, she may have to purchase a new skort. We do not have extra skorts at school. If your daughter forgets her skort, she will be issued a demerit. The same is true for proper socks. Knee socks, in solid navy, black, grey or white are the ONLY acceptable socks.

Once August rolls around, the stores will have their back to school shoes in stock! Be aware that the same rules which governed the last school year are still in place! Shoes must conform to safety rules first and foremost. In keeping with that idea, check the agenda. A shoe which fits around the entire foot with no openings is the correct shoe! Shoes must be black or brown and have a no skid, low heel. For your daughter’s safety and well being, a sturdy shoe is better than a ballet flat (which don’t usually stand up against the elements!).

All students this year are required to wear the polo shirt in white or navy blue with either long or short sleeves. Please check these for paint, ink or other stains and replace as necessary. Students are only allowed to wear plain white tee shirts with no writing or pictures under their polo shirts. Failure to follow this rule will result in demerits. Turtlenecks may be worn anytime in white or navy.

The only sweaters which may be worn are Mercy sweat-ers available from Flynn and O’Hara uniforms. There is the option this year of a Mercy fleece, available only through the MMA Bookstore. Seniors only may wear their senior sweatshirts when they arrive. I would strongly urge you to purchase a sweater or fleece, and perhaps the uniform slacks for your daughter to wear during the winter months.

Student may not have extreme hairstyles or an unnatural hair color. They may not have visible tattoos or wear any facial jewelry (other than earrings) at school or at any school function. This includes pierced noses, eyebrows and tongues or lips. Your daughter may not wear a bandage to cover these areas. This policy is clearly stated in the handbook.

Further specifics about the uniform and dress code may be found in the student handbook in your daughter’s agenda.

The uniform and the rules which apply to students are important for all to follow. The uniform is not a fashion statement, but a device to allow students to concentrate not on style, but academics. We truly appreciate your support in these matters. Please contact either of us if you have any questions.

Sincerely, Paulette C. Gaske Catherine A. Luhr Principal Director of Student Services

Mount Mercy Fleece Jacket Sizes: Sm., Med., Large. & X-Large

Color: Navy blue Cost: $33.00

The new fleece may be worn as part of the MMA uniform starting in September 2008.

Sold through the MMA Bookstore.

SUMMER READING

FOR ALL STUDENTS!

Parents– should the words, “I’m bored” or “There’s nothing to do”, be uttered by your Mercy daughter this summer, please remind her that there are always her SUMMER READING assignments to attend to, which MUST be fully completed when she returns to MMA on the first day of school in September! The list of Summer Reading books can be found by clicking on the “Summer Reading” link on the home page of the MMA Website. Please review the instructions/study guides or assign-ments which coincide with each book. What a luxury to be assigned to read a great classic under the shade of a tree or while sunning at the beach during the summer! Sounds like heaven to some of us!

MMA CLASS OF 2008 GRADUATION Commencement Exercises for the one hundred third graduating class of Mount Mercy Academy took place at Kleinhan's Music Hall on the evening of Thursday, June 5, 2008. The graduation began in traditional fashion, as graduates, wearing robes and mor-tarboards, processed to the stage accompanied by the traditional “Pomp and Circum-stance”. The ceremony opened with an invocation delivered by Sister Nancy Hoff, RSM, President of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West Community. Class Salutatorian, Christen Lawicki welcomed honored guests, families and friends to the graduation. One hundred twenty-three graduates were conferred diplomas from MMA Principal Mrs. Paulette Gaske. Sister Sally Walz, RSM, retiring after twenty years of education ministry at the Academy and currently as Director of Alum-nae and Major Gifts, gave the keynote address, motivating the graduates with stirring words of hope, inspiration and congratulations. Sixty mem-bers from the MMA Class of 1958, celebrating their 50th reunion, were recognized during the ceremony. The valedictory address was offered by National Merit Scholarship winner Melissa Hayes. Benediction was delivered by MMA’s President of the Board of Trustees, Sister Sally Maloney, RSM. Musical accompaniment was provided by Mr. Fred Kirisits, Music Director at the Academy. Mount Mercy Academy’s graduating Class of 2008 was awarded $9.8 million in college scholarships and grants.

Katie Gerard and Erin Gabreski smile at Graduation.

Thank You!

The Mount Mercy Academy Community sends a grate-ful THANK YOU to everyone who has in any way contributed to the success of the JACK’S 5K Race over the past ten years! Your dedication to Mt. Mercy Academy and your efforts in providing scholarship funds to students who would otherwise not be able to attend MMA have been heartwarming and greatly appreciated. Jack Donahue will forever be remem-bered as a gentleman and an inspirational Coach to our students. To those who have worked tirelessly to make this race an annual reality, we are forever in your debt. God Bless You All!

Members of the Jack Donahue Family

get together at the Jack’s 5K Party after the Race

Future Mercy Girls Smile at Jack’s Race Former Mercy Students Race for MMA Leah, Colleen and Sarah enjoy the final days of school

MMA Freshmen looking great in their uniforms!

Madeline stays comfort-able and warm in her MMA uniform slacks

Rachel looks fresh

and crisp in her

white polo and gray

skort

Maghan wears the MMA navy pullover sweater with style!

MMA Uniform Options

Baa-by, it’s cold out-side! Buy an MMA

Sweater through Flynn and O’Hara or an

MMA Fleece through the MMA Bookstore!

Stewardship of the Earth begins at MMA! Keep that thermostat

turned down!

Each year, the School Counselors are given the opportunity to nominate members of the Junior Class for awards from specific colleges. Nominated students are awarded a scholarship to that college that is contingent upon their attendance at the particular institution. These nominations are based on a number of factors, such as academic achievements, leadership qualities, community involvement, and standardized test scores, as well as MMA faculty recommendations. The following students have been so recognized:

The University of Rochester’s George Eastman Kodak Young Leaders Award recognizes a high school junior who displays strong leadership skills, is receiving excellent grades in a challenging curriculum, and participates in and shows dedication to varied, extensive, and time-consuming extracurricular activities. This year’s George Eastman Kodak Young Leaders Award from the University of Rochester is presented to: Meg Recktenwald

The University of Rochester’s Xerox Award for Innovative and Information Technology is presented to a high school junior in recognition of out-standing achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and an appreciation for the possibilities of technology. This year’s recipient of The Univer-sity of Rochester’s Xerox Award for Innovative and Information Technology is: Lydia Rola

The University of Rochester’s Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award is presented to a high school junior for her outstanding academic achieve-ment and superior intellectual promise in the field of science. This year’s recipient of The University of Rochester’s Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award is: Madeline Krautsak

The University of Rochester’s Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and the Social Sciences recognizes a student who dem-onstrates a commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues and is dedicated to continuing her unfinished life’s work. Equal emphasis on study, community action, and dialogue is encouraged. This year’s University of Rochester’s Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award in Hu-manities and the Social Sciences is presented to: Meredith Graber

Clarkson University recognizes two high school juniors with their Leadership & Achievement Awards. These recipients demonstrate strong leadership qualities, outstanding academic achievement, have made positive contributions to our school and community, and have expressed an interest in the fields of science, engineering, or business.

This year’s Clarkson University Leadership Award is presented to: Colleen Cannan

This year’s Clarkson University Achievement Award is presented to: Jane Bednarz

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Computing Medal Award honors two high school juniors on their accomplishments as a student, their involvement as a member of our school and community and their commendable computing abilities. This year, we would like to recognize two deserving students with The Rochester Institute of Technology’s Computing Medal Award: Michele Stephenson & Amanda Maroney

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute awards their Rensselaer Medal to a student who excels in advanced math and science courses and exhibits signifi-cant interest and involvement in extracurricular activities. This year’s Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal is awarded to: Sarah Antowski

Wells College in Aurora, New York awards their 21st Century Leadership Award to a student who embodies the spirit, sincerity, and intellectual quali-ties of a strong leader in her school and community activities. This individual has demonstrated superior integrity, trustworthiness, self-confidence, and intellect, while possessing the characteristics of the highest form of ethical leadership. The recipient of the Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award is: Angela Kresic

St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, honors an outstanding high school Junior who has demonstrated a sustained and sincere commitment to scholarship, volunteerism, and leadership within her community. It recognizes an individual who believes in serving others as an extension of her Catholic faith. Showing the true spirit of volunteerism, the St. Michael’s College Book Award is presented to: Jordan Novak

The Sage College of Albany Art Award recognizes a high school junior for her outstanding artistic talent, academic excellence, student leadership, and community involvement. She demonstrates enthusiasm, good communication skills, and serves as a motivator to others in all areas. This year’s recipi-ent of the Sage College of Albany’s Art Award is: Leah Clancy

The LeMoyne College Heights Award recognizes a high school junior who is “reaching for the Heights” in the classroom and in service to her school and community. This award honors the student’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service. This year’s LeMoyne College Heights Award is presented to: Meghan Mathewson

Russell Sage College’s Student Sage Award recognizes the characteristics of academic excellence, student leadership and community involvement that define a woman of influence. This individual has been identified by a number of her teachers as a student who is an academic and social leader, possessing powerful communication skills and leading debate on critical issues. She is motivated to serve and inspires others to develop and grow. This year’s deserv-ing recipient of the Russell Sage College’s Student Sage Award is: Hannah Owczarczak

The Elmira College Key award is presented to a high school junior in recognition of exceptional scholastic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and par-ticipation in extra-curricular activities. This individual excels in all areas, is a true role model, and exhibits qualities which may be seen as the “key” to success. The student recognized this year with The Elmira College Key Award is: Melissa Graham (SEE PHOTO ON BACK PAGE)

MMA JUNIORS NOMINATED FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Join Mount Mercy Academy’s Speech and Debate Team

*Interested in Drama? *Interested in Debate?

*Interested in Current Events? *Interested in Law, Politics or the Communication fields?

*Interested in gaining college scholarship money? *Do you like to travel and meet new people?

If you answered YES to any of these questions--

then Speech and Debate is for you! Open to all grade levels— no experience needed!

Mercy has one of the finest teams in WNY and promotes forensic competition in Oratory, Dramatics, Interpretive Events and Debate

against Buffalo and Rochester schools such as Canisius HS, St. Francis HS, Mt. St. Mary, McQuaid Jesuit and Webster.

Be one of this year’s GREAT DEBATERS and join us for an

academic extra curricular activity that looks great on your college applications and promotes maturity, social skills,

confidence and innovation.

Contact Miss Luhr at cluhr@mtmercy.org for information about events and tournaments.

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS!

YOU ARE INVITED

THE MMA ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO

A “Hallo-wine” Tour and Murder Mystery Event

WHEN: OCTOBER 25, 2008 WHERE: TOUR OF 12 NIAGARA COUNTY VINEYARDS WHAT: ROUND TRIP BUS TOUR/ COMMEMORATIVE GLASS/WINE TASTING/MURDER MYSTERY/PRIZES /

FULL DINNER AT WILSON BOATHOUSE COST: $89

CALL MMA ALUMNAE OFFICE AT 825-8796 X 246 FOR RESERVATIONS OR CHECK THE MMA WEBSITE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

EDLINE COMING TO MMA THIS FALL

What is Edline? Edline is a Rediker software program com-patible with Gradequick/Administrators Plus, which MMA has already been using for quite a few years. Among many of its capabilities, this new component is an effort to raise the level of parental involvement for all students. According the website, www.edline.com:

“Edline provides the world’s leading technology solutions that help schools improve student performance by harness-ing the power of parental involvement, supporting teachers, and engaging the learning community.” For parents who are unable to physically get to the school often, Edline is a way to keep them informed about their daughter’s progress.

More information will be made available to all our MMA families once the program has been installed and training for all faculty members has been completed. Once ready, much of the information that comes to you via this newsletter will be sent electronically to your home. You will receive e-mail notifications of important news and be able to access this information through the Edline link that will appear on the MMA website. Among other cost savings to the school, this will alleviate postage costs and man-hours assembling mailings, etc.. We are looking forward to present-ing this very exciting new program to you this coming fall.

FOND FAREWELLS: We send our best wishes to our faculty members who will not be returning to MMA in September, but will be moving on to noble pursuits in their life’s journey. Sister Sally Walz, Director of Alumnae and Major Gifts will be leaving MMA, but continuing her ministry for the Sisters of Mercy. We know that she will serve in a very important capacity as the Sisters look to her for her unlimited and wise counsel. Sister Meg Quinlan, our Social Worker on staff, leaves MMA for southern Texas, where she will train novitiates entering the Sisters of Mercy. We ask God to bless them both in their new endeavors. Miss Bridget Robin-son, our #1 Cheerleader and Social Studies teacher, will be pursuing her Master’s Degree full time, Mrs. Amy Gambino moves on to a Buffalo Charter School, and our Chairwoman of the Language Department, Ms. Beth Kuberka, has been awarded a full scholarship to complete her Doctorate in Spanish at the Uni-versity of Buffalo. We have been so lucky to have had these wonderful women as members of the MMA faculty. Many thanks to them for all they have contributed to our school and to our students.

Sister Meg Quinlan and Mrs. Staszak at

the 4th Quarter Honors Assembly

All Catholic Awards 2007-2008 Congratulations to the following

MMA Athletes:

Golf Amber Martin – 1st team All-Catholic

and New York State Catholic Schools Champion

Soccer Shealyn Sullivan – All Monsignor Martin Melissa Graham – All Monsignor Martin Brianna Wilson – 1st team North Division

Monsignor Martin Molly Webster – 1st team North Division

Monsignor Martin Kate Purcell – 1st team North Division

Monsignor Martin

Cross Country Jenna Szczepanski –

2nd Team Monsignor Martin

Basketball Melissa Graham –

All Monsignor Martin Team Mary Kate Kubera – 1st Team

North Division

Lacrosse Melissa Graham –

All Monsignor Martin Team

Softball Danielle Vaccaro -

1st Team All Monsignor Martin Team Mary Gangloff –

2nd Team All Monsignor Martin Team Abby Campbell –

2nd Team All Monsignor Martin Team

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! CONGRATULATIONS!

HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT EXAM INFORMATION

DO YOU KNOW AN EIGHTH GRADE GIRL OR BOY INTERESTED IN TAKING THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST (ENTRANCE EXAM) IN NOVEMBER, 2008? IF SO, MMA OFFERS A FIVE WEEK PREP COURSE TO READY STUDENTS

FOR THE EXAM. THIS COURSE HAS PROVEN SUCCESSFUL FOR MANY STUDENTS WHO HAVE TAKEN THIS EXAM IN THE PAST. THE COURSE COVERS TEST STRATEGIES, TIPS AND ADVICE FOR OVERCOMING ANXIETY, IN-DEPTH

SUBJECT REVIEW OF VERBAL SKILLS, QUANTITATIVE SKILLS, MATH SKILLS, READING COMPREHENSION AND MORE… THE COURSE INCLUDES :

♦ ARCO PREP BOOK / 5 SATURDAY MORNING CLASSES FROM 9 AM-NOON / SNACKS

REVIEW COURSE STUDENTS TAKING THE EXAM AT MMA ON NOVEMBER 22, 2008 WILL HAVE THE $20 EXAM FEE WAIVED. COST: $100 PER STUDENT CONTACT Mrs. Jeanne Burvid 825-8796 x 241

PROVENCE/THE RIVIERA/ TUSCANY/ROME

Some highlights include:

-French cooking class in Avignon -visits to Cannes, St. Paul de

Vence, Eze and Monaco -Fragonard perfume factory -the museums, gold and leather

shops of Florence -the medieval towns of Siena and

Assisi -the Coliseum, Forum, St. Peters

Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums -private scavenger hunt of Rome -Italian cooking demonstration and

Tuscan farmhouse lunch in San Gimignano

Applications will be taken on a first

come, first served basis.

Contact Ms. Tyrpak-Endres at tyrpak@canisiushigh.org or e-mail Miss Luhr at cluhr@mtmercy.org

for further information.

MMA ART DEPARTMENT NEWS

Congratulations to Alena Musso and Morgan Donovan whose works were chosen by art teachers Mrs. Amy Utzig and Ms. Jacqueline Welch to participate in UB’s Annual All-High Student Art Show in the Center for the Arts on the north campus. The show opened on May 22 with an after-noon reception for the artists, friends and family and continued through June 15.

Congratulations to Art Club members Nicole Tombolesi, Caitlin McBratney, Stephanie Khoury and Katie Farr and Drawing & Painting class students Missy Borodzik, Marya Casey, Bailey Danahy, Katie Dyson, Marsie Gangloff, Katie Hunt, Gabrielle LaPress, Emilie Miazga, Sarah Murphy, Randi Olson, Hannah Rosolowski, Jillian Schultz, Rebecca Sporny, and Jenny Vu, whose mural painting of literary charac-ters from several books is on display at the Dog Ears Bookstore/Literary Center on Abbott Road. Tom McDonnell, owner of Dog Ears gave MMA and Timon student artists a pizza party on Friday June 20th to thank them for their hard work!

On June 8th MMA art teacher Jacqueline Welch, along with 11 other Buffalo artists and 54 additional artists from across New York State, returned from a weekend retreat of networking, individual public presenta-tions by each artist participant and gallery visits in New York City. This event was the culmination of the first New York Foundation for the Arts MARK Program. The MARK Program ran for six months and gave artists from Buffalo, Rochester, Troy, Hudson, Huntington and Ithaca NYFA staff guidance in writing artist’s statements, project descrip-tions and letters to galleries and curators. Artists learned how to fine tune their portfo-lios, set goals, improve their public presen-tations and find elusive grants, residencies and other art opportunities.

Applications are being accepted for our Easter

trip to Italy and southern France next Easter.

Mount Mercy Academy and Canisius H.S. in Europe 2009

Harry Potter, Wild Things, One Fish-Two Fish, Horton, and Ms. Welch’s Mural Artists

SENIOR SENTIMENTS

At the end of each year, Ms. Jean Campbell, Senior Religion Teacher, asks her students to reflect on the Portrait of a Mercy Graduate at

Graduation, (see right) and indicate whether the student feels she fits the description as she leaves MMA for college.

Below are some of the sentiments written by the Class of 2008.

Mount Mercy Academy

Portrait of the

Graduate at Graduation

A woman of Mercy is~

A woman of compassionate service

A woman who is respectful towards herself and others

A woman who is articulate

A woman who strives for excellence in all that she does

A woman who is empowered to influence the world

“I feel that my time at

MMA has definitely pre-

pared me to go out into the

world as a living example of

a M e r c y g r a d u a t e .

I have learned the importance

of striving for excellence not

only in my schoolwork, but in

everything I do.” “This school has given me so much courage and confidence. Thank you!”

“Mercy has helped me sharpen my focus on service to others. It has helped me to learn to respect all those around me. I know I have become a more articulate person.”  

“Mercy has provided an excellent

education and a friendly environ-

ment to be surrounded by each and

every day.”

“Mercy girls are different from other girls. We respect each other and try to never let anyone feel left out. We are very compassion-ate and understanding.”

“Mercy gave me the chance to meet new friends, and has helped me to grow in my faith. It has helped me to grow stronger and more confident.”

“Mercy totally prepared me for life after high school. I am so thankful to be a woman of Mercy!”

“Mercy has helped me grow. The all-girl environment is the greatest and has brought me to a greater sense of self- confidence.”

“I feel Mercy has taught

me to strive to be the

best person I can be.”

“MMA is a good environment for self-discovery.”

“The teachers here

have provided me with

a great education.”

“Mercy has prepared me well  for  college  and  the world. I am a more confident person    because  of  the     people  I  have  met  here  at MMA.” 

“Mercy has taught me

responsibility, compassion,

to strive for excellence in

life and the true meaning

of Mercy.”

“I am ready to begin my life as a

compassionate, loving woman

who will make a difference in the

world.”

MMA Junior Jane Bednarz smiles with Counselor Ms. Therese Runfola after receiving an award at the 4th quarter Honors Assembly

Via con Dios, Fernanda! We say goodbye to our exchange student, Fernanda Gomez, who returns to Mexico after spending a year at MMA.

An unexpected power failure made for a memorable graduation ceremony at Kleinhan’s! The lights returned eventually!

MMA Juniors Nominated for College Scholarships

Back Row: Michelle Stephenson, Madeline Krautsak, Amanda Maroney, Jordan Novak, Meredith Graber, Meg Recktenwald, Hannah Owczarczak, Colleen Cannan Front Row: Sarah Antowski, Lydia Rola, Jane Bednarz, Leah Clancy, Angela Kresic, Melissa Graham.

MOUNT MERCY ACADEMY = ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Mount Mercy Academy 88 Red Jacket Parkway Buffalo, New York 14220

Phone: 716-825-8796 WWW.MTMERCY.ORG Fax: 716-825-0976

E-mail: mstaszak@mtmercy.org

Accredited by The Middle States

Association of Colleges and

Schools

Hallmarks of a

mercy education

Dedication to Christian values

Academic excellence Leadership

Service Family in partnership