THIS IS MY WHY

Alumni Edition

Every parent dreams of their child's ideal learning environment, and many develop a wish list that includes a strong academic curriculum, leadership opportunities, and the ability to acquire life skills in a setting that encourages a responsible, respectful, God-centered life. For the Cabiness family, choosing Mount de Sales Academy for their daughter, Madisyn, was an easy decision. "In my heart, I knew we were always going to give her a Catholic education," she says.

Attending MDS is a family tradition. Audra Howard Cabiness (’87) and her brother, Reggie Howard (’85), are both alums who flourished under the tutelage and love of former faculty Sister Fidelis (d.), Robert Slocum (’74), Ron McLachlan, Rosa Shaheen (who still sent Audra’s family Christmas cards and beautiful handwritten notes

THE CABINESS FAMILY

until her death this year), and many other devoted teachers at both St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Mount de Sales. It is these individuals, former school chaplain Monsignor John Cuddy (d.), close-knit classmates, and the wonderful memories that make Audra excited to experience it all again through the eyes of her child.

Audra says, "Our hope for Madisyn is that she will continue to grow and flourish, find her niche, have fun, and come away feeling good about her educational foundation like we did! From Tulane to Emory and back home to Mercer—I never felt unprepared thanks to SJS and MDS, and the seamless education of the two schools. My brother had a great experience too—and when you hear him speak, he always talks about his background and his appreciation and love for Mount de Sales."

Audra credits SJS and MDS for the firm foundation she received, not just academically, but also in shaping her character as well. She believes the strong MDS curriculum of today, together with the faculty support that allows students to be creative, try new things, grow into themselves, and set big goals, will help create a path to a successful future.

Audra also feels that MDS helps create a foundation of faith, beyond going to church. Compassion and service, spiritual growth, integrity, and ethics are incorporated into the natural part of the day and curriculum.

Audra says, "There are many wonderful schools in our city, but we believe that the faith-based education, coupled with the academic and extracurricular opportunities, place MDS above the rest. It is wonderful to have a child who truly loves school, and as a parent making a decision about where to send your child to school, that is all you can hope for: that you are able to find a school where your child can get a great education, establish cherished friendships, feel safe and cared for, and learn to be of service to others. For us, that has been SJS and MDS."

"From Tulane to Emory and back home to Mercer—I never felt unprepared thanks to SJS and MDS, and the seamless education of the two schools."

Audra Howard Cabiness ('87)

Power of Prayer

On September 24, 1827, Catherine McAuley opened the first ever Sisters of Mercy house in Dublin, Ireland, to educate young girls and serve those in need. The mission has spread across borders and landed at Mount de Sales Academy. Our deeply rooted values stem from the Sisters of Mercy: spirituality, service, community, and social justice. And with that, begins prayer.

During morning announcements at MDS, students are invited to join in the school’s shared prayer or to celebrate one of the many different faiths practiced on campus. We embody a culture of respect and understanding for families of all faiths because at the core of our mission, we support the formation of the whole, genuine person.

Prayer is a process through which we learn to trust both God and ourselves. It is an ongoing conversation where we discover who we’re called to be. Prayer helps center one’s thoughts; it is universal. All faiths are connected through some form of prayer where each person builds a foundation within their faith to better serve a higher purpose or greater good. Prayer is the first step, but not the only one. Prayer requires action, and MDS challenges its students to put their prayers into action every day. Whether it’s advocating for social justice through the student-led Diversity Awareness Club (DAC), enriching life through nature in Mrs. Liza Sumowski’s campus garden, or fulfilling service hours through the Mercy in Action program, we are all called to serve. Mount de Sales helps students answer their callings and prepares them for a life of service, both academically and spiritually. Fulfilling the Mercy mission tests our courage, love, and patience at times, but the power of prayer strengthens all of us. We have a vast network of support in our MDS community who all want to lift each other up.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9

Prayer is a powerful tool within the Mount de Sales community. It is during quiet times of prayer that our faculty and staff reignite their commitment to MDS’s mission to discover, innovate, and serve the students. The leadership at MDS instills within all of us a call to serve compassionately. Catherine McAuley said it best during her years of service with the Sisters of Mercy: "Compassion should be our animating principle when undertaking instruction with children and adults, since they are made in God's image."