THEOAKS M E R CY H I G H S C H O O L • B U R L I N G A M E • S U M M E R 2 02 1
CELEBRATING
YEARS 1931-2021 HONORING OUR PAST INSPIRING OUR FUTURE THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 1
THE OAKS is published twice yearly for alumnae, parents, and friends of Mercy High School, Burlingame. A Catholic, all girls College Preparatory since 1931, is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and is a member of Mercy Education. In an effort to go green we will only be sending one Oaks per household. Please share with all. Thank you!
MAIN OFFICE 650.343.3631 ALUMNAE OFFICE 650.762.1192 ADVANCEMENT OFFICE 650.762.1190 ADMISSION OFFICE 650.762.1114
Please visit our website for updates/details on these and other events www.mercyhsb.com
MERCY EVENTS 2021-2022 Tri-School Fall Play
Tri-School Spring Musical
Serra High School October 29, 30; November 5, 6 at 7PM
Serra High School March 25, 26; April 1, 2 at 7:30PM
Admissions Open House
Making a Difference Benefit
Mercy High School Sunday, November 7
Marriott Burlingame Thursday, April 28
A Mercy Tasting Event
Spring Chorale Concert
Kohl Mansion Friday, November 19 at 7-10PM
Mercy High School Tuesday, May 3
Christmas at Kohl
Spring Dance Concert
Kohl Mansion Wednesday, December 1 at 5PM
May - TBA
Mercy ArtsFest
Winter Chorale Concert
Mercy High School Wednesday, May 11
Mercy High School Tuesday, December 7
Baccalaureate Mass Our Lady of Angels Church Saturday, June 4 at 7PM
Winter Dance Concert
FAX 650.343.2976
December - TBA
Graduation
Lobster Feed & Live Music
EMAIL alumnae@mercyhsb.com
Kohl Mansion Friday, February 25 at 6:30PM
St. Ignatius Church (USF) Sunday, June 5 at 2PM
2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Penny Stack Alexander ‘78 Kelli Benz, P ‘11, ‘12 Greg Dannis P ‘09 Emily Gonzalez-Jauregui ‘15 Bob Grassilli Una Kinsella ‘83 Mary Schaffer Kircher ‘78 Jamie Jweinat Lechleitner ‘02 Joe Nezwek, M.B.A., P ‘14 Joan Marie O’Donnell, RSM, MSF ‘59 Caroline Romeo, P ‘14 Patrick Ruff Vashti R. Sinigayan ‘99, M.P.A. Michele O’Connor Tyler ‘68, P ‘97, ‘00 Randy Wong, M.D., P ‘12
EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Caroline Ocampo ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Jill Scerri PHOTOGRAPHERS Sandy Flaherty, Carol Fraher, Vic Valbuena Bareng 2 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
Save t he Date! ALUMNAE HOMECOMING
HOMECOMING
Sunday, September 19 • 11AM All alumnae are welcome! Honoring classes ending in ‘0, ‘1, ‘5 and ‘6 (except ‘70 who have plans in the works and will celebrate at Homecoming Sept. 2022).
Register at alumnae.mercyhsb.com
ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE
OPEN HOUSE November 7th, 2021
Mercy High School, Burlingame is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and is a member of Mercy Education.
Sunday, November 7 • 12-3PM We invite you to get to know Mercy High School! Register at www.mercyhsb.com/admission/ admission-events
THEOAKS
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL NATALIE CIRIGLIANO BROSNAN ‘02, ED.D.
SUMMER 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS Farewell 4
It is hard to believe that Mercy is entering its 90th year of existence. I have been blessed to spend 11 years at Mercy as a student and employee, and in that time I have constantly been reminded of how special Mercy High School is.
Academics 6 On Campus 8 Visual and Performing Arts 10 Athletics 12 Mission & Service 14 Graduation 16 Making a Difference 20 Mercy Parent Club 22 Alumnae Virtual Events 23 Alumnae Spotlight 24 Class Notes 26 In Memoriam 30 Upcoming Events 31
One thing I have come to appreciate about Mercy is that no matter when you come to Mercy, it is always the same school yet also an entirely different one.
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It is always the same in that Mercy has remained true to its identity, rooted in the Mercy charism. There is something so comforting and familiar when you return to Mercy, and that is due to the fact that Mercy has been loved so deeply through the years that students, faculty, and staff have preserved that “special something” for nine decades. Yet Mercy is also always different.
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Through its 90 years of offering education in Burlingame, Mercy has always adapted to meet the needs of our students and the times in which they are growing up to ensure our programs are relevant and that Mercy students are capable and prepared for success in their college, personal, and professional lives.
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Our Foundress Catherine McAuley believed that “a good beginning is of great importance.” For 90 years we have experienced beginning after beginning, and we will forever be grateful that in 1931 Mercy High School opened its doors in such a successful manner that we are still here, celebrating that inaugural beginning and celebrating the beauty that we know defines a Mercy education. Thank you for being a part of Mercy’s 90 year history— we hope you choose to be a part of our present and future so that we can continue to preserve and celebrate the gift of a Mercy education together.
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FEATURE
Farewell to B We bid farewell to two beloved science teachers, Jennifer Lambdin and Dr. Pat Bradley, as they retired at the close of the last school year.
At our Closing Liturgy and senior assembly, both STEM educators were honored for their many years of service to Mercy students. Together they have touched the hearts and minds of thousands of students, fellow teachers, and staff. We will forever be grateful for their effects on our lives, and contributions to the excellence of our STEM curriculum and leadership of our Robotics program.
“The students were my source of energy. Their enthusiasm and kindness have always motivated me to do my best. I’m grateful to have been a part of the Mercy community!” —Jen Lambdin
Jennifer Lambdin began teaching math and science in 1985, and served as the Science Department Chair for twenty years from 2000 to 2020. She also taught in the Visual and Performing Arts Department for a few years. Her passion for the sciences inspired her involvement with the Environmental Clubs and sparked the start of the Robotics Club in 2015. For 36 years, Ms. Lambdin has loved teaching because it gave her the opportunity to explore topics that she was passionate about, and she was able to share it with her students. She shared, “The students were my source of energy. Their enthusiasm and kindness have always motivated me to do my best. I’m grateful to have been a part of the Mercy community!” “Jen Lambdin’s gentle spirit and passion for the earth permeated every aspect of her teaching,” said Lauren Conklin, Assistant Head of School for Academics. “Her classroom has always been one of quiet energy and focus that helps our students learn about the world around them. Jen’s dedication to her students and colleagues during her long tenure as Science Department Chair and as a teacher will have a lasting effect on our STEM program for years to come.” Dr. Pat Bradley recently celebrated her 15th anniversary at Mercy. She was an Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry and Chemistry teacher when she began in March of 2006. The following year she started teaching zero period Anatomy and Physiology and has been teaching it ever since. She then moved into Honors Chemistry and proposed bringing AP Chemistry to Mercy in 2008, followed by AP Computer Science in 2015. In 2017, Introduction to Computer Science was brought to Mercy as a preview for students that might be thinking about the AP course. This past year Dr. Bradley and Ms. Lambdin launched Introduction to Robotics, Engineering and Design Thinking as an 8th period (after school) course. Dr. Bradley also served as STEM coordinator this past school year.
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FEATURE
eloved Science Teachers Dr. Bradley always believed that, “Science (mainly chemistry) is just a cool form of magic, and magic is wonderment. So learning that magic will open your eyes to wonderful and exciting things. Teaching students about that magic has been so meaningful for me.” “Dr. Bradley’s humor, passion, and drive have inspired students to continue in highly rigorous programs at Mercy and beyond,” said Conklin. “When Dr. Bradley saw an opening to improve the experience of Mercy students, or to expand our offerings, she jumped right in every year. She led the charge to offer AP Computer Science and Robotics, and has worked to make sure that students are well prepared for college programs.”
“Science (mainly chemistry) is just a cool form of magic, and magic is wonderment. So learning that magic will open your eyes to wonderful and exciting things. Teaching students about that magic has been so meaningful for me.” —Dr. Bradley Jennifer Lambdin and Dr. Pat Bradley are both tremendous educators, who have been true examples of leading the way for girls to be accomplished and capable women in science. Our Mercy community is grateful for the impact Ms. Lambdin and Dr. Bradley had on our STEM program, and we wish them well as they begin their new adventures!
On June 9, 2021, we gathered in person to celebrate Mercy’s faculty & staff who retired this past school year and last year! “We will forever be grateful for the gifts Jen Lambdin, Pam Matthews, Pat Bradley, Darrell Justus, Sarah Rowan, and Mary Louise Castillo shared with Mercy High School. Through their years at Mercy, they have touched so many lives that the true impact they had on generations of Mercy students and colleagues could never be properly measured. They have certainly left us with many treasured memories that will forever live on at Mercy High School.” — Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan ‘02 Head of School L to R: Darrell Justus, Facilities Director, !3 years; Jennifer Lambdin, Science Teacher/Science Dept Chairperson, 35 years; Pat Bradley, Math & Science Teacher/STEM Chair, 15 years; Pam Matthews, Chorale & Music Teacher, 27 years; Mary Louise Castillo, Spanish Teacher, 47 Years. Not pictured: Sarah Rowan, 25 years
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ACADEMICS
Sophomore students in English Teacher Alexandra Hyman’s World Literature class read the novel “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi. This memoir follows the author’s experience growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. During their discussions of the novel, students analyzed the effects that cultural revolutions may have had on citizens’ public and private lives. Students witnessed the main character, Marji, as she —Alexandra Hyman, English Teacher experimented with rebellion after the fundamentalist regime restricted women’s access to education and established decrees that all men and women must dress in accordance with their views on modesty, including mandatory headscarves for women.
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An Examination of Cultural Revolutions and Fundamentalism in World Literature
This project is essential in that it helps students build bridges between their course material and the world they currently experience. This is a critical exercise in World Literature in which students explore diverse cultures and environments that are often quite different from their own. As young women, Mercy students are developing their own voices on important cultural matters including topics that may or may not directly impact them. Our future depends on their leadership and their education should reflect that. Students have developed skills in argumentative writing—a skill they will continue to practice in their junior year. It requires students to acknowledge that there are multiple perspectives in any debate, and that one must consider all sides before making an informed and balanced decision.
The class explored the ways in which the government’s extremism affected Marji’s childhood and made her question her own identity as a young Muslim woman. Coincidentally, as students read the novel, Switzerland and France both passed separate laws banning full-face coverings in public. The assignment attempted to help students explore connections between the novel and the world we live in. Students were asked to take a stance on whether veils—which include traditional burqas, niqabs, and hijabs—should be banned in public places, similar to the laws passed throughout Western Europe. They were given four articles relating to various worldwide bans on headscarves that explored multiple perspectives on such legislation. They then identified claims that supported arguments both in favor of and against those bans. As a final assessment, students wrote an argument essay in which they defended their position on whether headscarves should be banned in public places, developed counter-arguments, and made connections between the mandatory decrees in “Persepolis” and the current ban on veils.
Congratulations to Nancy Astabie ’21! She was named a Commended Scholar by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students are recognized for their exceptional academic talent and promise. Nancy placed among the top 3.5% of more than 1.5 million students that took the PSAT.
Nancy will be attending West Point in the fall.
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Congratulations to Mercy’s UNICEF Club! They won first prize from UNICEF for being a highly involved and active club. A highlight was receiving a box full of UNICEF USA merchandise with t-shirts, stickers, masks, and more! Mercy’s UNICEF Club will be highlighted on UNICEF's Instagram!
ACADEMICS We had the honor of hosting Elizabeth Eckford as an all-school guest speaker by Zoom this year. Eckford
ACADEMICS
was one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of Black teens who first integrated the historically all-white Little Rock Central High School in 1957 after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. Eckford and eight other students were met by a furious mob assembled to block them from getting into the high school, along with news reporters and photojournalists covering the momentous day. An iconic image of Eckford as she is screamed at by white students has come to represent the violent bigotry of the school desegregation era, after the Supreme Court overturned the “separate but equal” Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896, ruling. After President Eisenhower intervened a month later, Eckford and the other eight students were finally allowed into the school when they were escorted by members of the 101st Airborne.
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The Social Studies, Religion, and English departments designed units to teach students about the lasting impact of segregation in the U.S. Students discussed a number of issues including the findings of and EdBuild study that nonwhite school districts receive $23 billion less than white school districts despite serving the same number of students. It’s important work of our Social Studies Department that Mercy students understand this history and the landscape of American segregation today as a way to examine what progress has been made, what work is still needed, and how to build a better future.
Robotics Team Earns Think Award 2nd Prize at First Tech Challenge! The Robotics Team took home the Think Award 2nd Prize at the FTC Tech Challenge Sacramento Qualifiers! This is a great accomplishment for a rookie team. Credit goes to Mercy’s Robotics class, Science teachers Dr. Pat Bradley and Jen Lambdin, and team mentor and Mercy parent Stephanie Menner. This judged award acknowledges the removal of engineering obstacles through creative thinking. The engineering content within the portfolio is the key reference for judges to help identify the most deserving team. Engineering content must focus on the design and build stage of the team’s robot. Students in Robotics class go from having no expertise to actual “hands on” experience with robot building. They gain skills in mechanical engineering and computer science through coding and AutoCAD. Students have the opportunity to work closely and collaborate on projects from ideation and concept to production, building leadership, and teamwork competence. The class emphasizes creativity, problem solving skills, and critical thinking as students approach robotics projects with outside-the-box thinking.
Congratulations to Mercy’s Robotics Team: Bharathi Arivazhagan ‘22, Nancy Astabie ’21, Amaelia Bringas ’22, Anna Dawes ’21, Niamh Dawes ’23, Natalie Dean ’22, Carolina Gutierrez Rodriguez ’22, Kelley Han ’21, Joanne Hui ’21, Anadi Mehar Purewal Legha ’22, Luna Zhou ’21
Teachers asked students to reflect on “Why was the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision significant in U.S. history?” and look at how school segregation is still present in the United States today. They read the articles “School Segregation, the Continuing Tragedy of Ferguson” and “The Resegregating of U.S. Schools,” and watched the video “Why Are Schools Still So Segregated?” in class. Mercy’s Social Studies Department Chair Ryan McGoron says, “It was an honor to have Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine, speak to our students about school segregation. By connecting this historical event to current inequities in America’s education system, Mercy students learned about the echo of history through the ages, and all the work that still needs to be done to build a more just society.” THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 7
DEI
ON CAMPUS
DEI Spotlight
This Year’s Journey
Mercy’s DEI Committee was established last year with the aim to raise awareness of and promote the necessary values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that are rooted in Catholic Social Thought through continued collaboration and dialogue with our Mercy Burlingame community and partnerships.
Pictured above are the 2020-2021 DEI Co-Chairs and Committee. Joining them next year as DEI Board Co-Chairs are Vashti Sinigayan ‘99 and Emily Gonzalez-Jauregui ‘15.
In Fall 2020, an optional faculty and staff book club was created to provide Mercy educators with a space to hold DEI centered conversations. The books studied this year were “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi and “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo. Learning opportunities were designed for faculty and staff as well as students. This included partnering with Be the Change Consulting, a women of color-founded, -owned, and -led organization, to begin the process of becoming more anti-racist as an organization. Additionally, the DEI Committee collaborated with the Sojourn Project alongside Mercy’s Social Studies, Religion, and English Departments to deepen students’ understanding of the Freedom Struggle for Civil Rights and voter suppression. Guest speakers included Joanne Bland, who participated in the Selma to Montgomery March in 1963 and witnessed the violence of “Bloody Sunday” and Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine. In Spring 2021, the DEI Committee was restructured to reflect key school areas through the following five work teams: Marketing, Student Life, Academic Integration, Faculty, Staff, Leadership Support and Professional Development, and Process, Quality, and Improvement (otherwise known as PQI which tracks the DEI Committee’s progress on their short- and long-term goals). Here are some recent work team accomplishments:
DEI
• The Marketing work team created
Junior Ariana Montiel ‘22 choreographed this beautiful and powerful dance piece “Dear Black Girl” centered around her own embodied experience about loving herself as a young woman of color. Visit our DEI webpage to view this amazing performance.
New on DEI’s Summer Reading List for all faculty and staff: “BIASED: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See” by Jennifer Lynn Eberhardt
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a webpage featuring the DEI Committee’s work, including a public feedback form and examples of student work that testify to students’ visions of a more inclusive world and their deepened understanding of their role as agents of change. Please check it out at: https://www. mercyhsb.com/about/diversityequity-inclusion
• The Student Life work team
cultivated intentional listening spaces to continue meaningful exchanges with Mercy’s BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students to share their personal experiences and offer constructive feedback for how Mercy High School can better ally, support, and address the needs of the student body to foster the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive community it can.
• The Faculty, Staff, Leadership
Support, and Professional Development work team incorporated teacher and student spotlights at several faculty and staff meetings where teachers and students explained how they were integrating Mercy’s DEI mission and goals into the classroom and extracurricular spaces.
• The Academic Integration work
team continued their partnership with the Sojourn Project in collaboration with Mercy’s Social Studies, Religion, and English Departments to help students deepen their understanding of the history of school segregation,
as well as provide additional educational opportunities for Mercy’s faculty and staff. Spring semester brought guest speakers such as Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine.
ON CAMPUS
THE ENCHANTED FOREST
Winter Formal
DRIVE THROUGH! The outside of the mansion was decorated, and students came dressed up to take photos on the mansion stairs with members of their pod/car without a mask.
Junior Ring Ceremony
The Junior Ring Ceremony is a beloved tradition that celebrates the transition of young women becoming upperclassmen. The event celebrates the bond that Mercy students have with those who came before them, as well as to the global Mercy community. Class rings are a symbol of Mercy values, reminding us to appreciate the diversity among us, empowering us to be our better selves, and honoring our roots of faith and service.
Awards! SPIRIT OF MERCY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Carolina Gutierrez Rodriguez ’22 and Cassandra Bousquet ‘22 received the highest honor award bestowed upon a junior—the Spirit of Mercy Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Moira O’Donnell ’90, Cindy Caughman ’92, and Angie Ciucci ’99. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student(s) who exemplifies the Mercy spirit and the values which guided Moira, Cindy, and Angie’s lives: faith, love, courage, compassion, generosity, social justice, and a joy for life. SISTER MARY GABRIEL AND SISTER MARY CONSOLATA SCHOLARSHIP Natalie Dean ‘22 received this award, which is based on the values lived by “Consie and Gabe”—love of Mercy and the values represented by a Mercy education, willingness to rise to the challenge, and support for their fellow students. This scholarship is awarded to a junior who displays enthusiasm for challenges, either academically or in extra-curricular activities, and who shows undaunted loyalty to the Mercy spirit.
VORSATZ FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP Jaimee Fabula ‘23, our recipient, has exhibited qualities that embody the spirit of a Mercy education and the spirit of Arica Vorsatz ‘00. These demonstrated qualities include leadership, a passion for helping others, ambition, work ethic, and a desire to make the world a better place. This scholarship is given annually to a sophomore and includes the opportunity to create a lifelong mentoring relationship with Arica’s older sister, Alison Vorsatz ‘98.
PROM - MIDNIGHT IN PARIS! Juniors and seniors dressed to the nines and enjoyed their Prom at Kohl Mansion this year. There was dancing, food, pictures and fun!
YMI SCHOLARSHIP Kacey Rodriguez ‘22 was awarded the YMI Scholarship which is given to a junior who is a practicing Catholic, is in good standing at the school, represents the values of YMI, and has exhibited a consistent commitment to community service and Christian leadership.
Ryan McGoran
Carolina Orantes
Caroline O’Sullivan
5 YEARS
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ANNIVERSARIES FACULTY & STAFF Joy Phillips
Randall Watts
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ON CAMPUS
Dancing Through the Decades: 100 Years of Dance! This year Mercy Dance showcased their talents through a virtual dance production video "Dancing Through the Decades! 100 Years of Dance" featuring dances from 1920-2020. To view the video go to https://youtu.be/qWhkbDGqGrY “I'm really proud of the students who learned 97% of the choreography over Zoom this semester! There are some lovely cameos from our faculty and staff during the finale, so it's well worth the watch!” —Joy Thiesen Braunstein, Dance Teacher
Visual and Performing CHORALE
Mercy Chorale culminated the year with an amazing virtual concert of positive musical vibes under the direction of Chorale Teacher Victor Cervantes. To view the concert go to https://youtu.be/1q-OE930y3U
Congratulations to Tri-School Productions on an amazing livestream performance of Shrek! Mercy perfomers: Matea Houle ‘24, Sierra Klingler ‘24, Isabella Sandino ‘23, Maggie Payne ‘22, Erin Colville ‘22, Marissa Abaya ‘23, Gabbie Jison ‘24, Caroline Callagy ‘21, Francesca Falbo ‘24, Coco Faillace ‘24, Kira Cory ‘22, Marina Shannon ‘22 and Mia Faillace ‘21.
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ON CAMPUS
CERAMICS
Despite distance learning challenges, our Ceramics and 3D art students were able to express their emotions and thoughts through art. We are extremely proud of them!
Kaelyn Durnin ‘24
Several Mercy students were showcased at the Congressional Art Competition reception in June! This included Isabella Hoffman ‘22, Claire Wagner ‘23, Kiana Dacanay ‘24, and Pamela Xiang ‘21, who won 3rd place! Pamela’s work will remain in Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s Bay Area office for the year.
Katelyn Vo ‘22 reimagined a piece by Steven Young Lee (Korean-American artist based in Chicago).
Priyana Singh ‘24 recreated the work of Roger Shimomura (Japanese-American artist based in Seattle).
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Claire Wagner ‘23 reimagined the work of Emily Cheng (ChineseAmerican artist based in NYC). Maya Pahre ‘23 created a colorful graphic piece of work inspired by several pieces by Chitra Ganesh (Indian-American artist in Brooklyn).
Raina Eichhorn ‘23 recreated the abstract work of David Diao (Chinese-American artist based in NYC).
Sophia Knapp ‘23 recreated the work of Angelica Alzona (Filipino-American artist based in NYC).
Claire Wagner ‘23
—Nadine Baroudi, Ed.M., VPA Department Chair & Visual Arts Teacher
Isabella Hoffman ‘22
“The breadth of skills and creativity gathered this past year demonstrate that art can thrive even in a pandemic! Our VPA students proved to be resilient, and showed immense dedication and commitment to the program and for that we are extremely grateful! Henri Matisse once said, ‘Creativity takes courage.’ Our students proved to be beyond courageous when they faced the unknowns of quarantine, daily uncertainty, and other obstacles. They rose to the occasion and their efforts were very evident in their skills and the quality of their artwork. This year our ArtsFest, which is usually in person, was featured on a website for everyone to enjoy. We celebrate our students’ visual arts achievements!” To view the Mercy ArtsFest website go to https://sites.google.com/mercyhsb.com/ mercyartsfest2021/welcome
Pamela Xiang ‘21
Arts
MERCY ARTSFEST
Kamala Harris once proclaimed, ‘The American Dream belongs to all of us.’ The spirit of this quote resonates with the Visual Arts Department of Mercy Burlingame, as well as the values our school was founded on. As a department, we have been committed to exploring artists from various backgrounds to ensure that all students experience art that reflects their culture or background in some way. Because we know that representation matters, we want to continue ensuring our students have access to and are encouraged to explore their contemporaries as they continue becoming global learners. We celebrate the AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) community and their wonderful contributions to our world.
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—Shardie Ezell, 2D Art & Photography Teacher
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ATHLETICS
COACHES AWARDS BASKETBALL
Coached by Kevin Calsada and Carlos Madera MOST VALUABLE Asupa Mila ‘21 COACHES AWARD Gabby Ravelo ‘22 CRUSADER AWARD Samantha Oshita ‘22
CHEERLEADING
SWIMMING
Coached by Rob Griffin and Elaine Yarranton MOST VALUABLE Niamh Dawes ‘23 MOST IMPROVED Vides Chavez ‘24 MOST INSPIRATIONAL Kelly Philpott ‘23
VARSITY TENNIS
Coached by Becca Lam MOST VALUABLE Natalia Allen ‘22 COACHES AWARD Katarina Fontana ‘21 and Nataly Lara ‘21
Coached by Riaz Shivji, Palmer Mendelson and Juan Munoz MOST VALUABLE Sadie Williams ‘22 MOST IMPROVED Maria Shelley ‘24 COACHES AWARD Natalie Dean ‘22
CROSS COUNTRY
JV TENNIS
Coached by Mike Garcia, Michael Benedetti and Sara Delucchi ‘13 MOST VALUABLE Nancy Astabie ‘21 COACHES AWARD Adora Pitcock ‘21 and Veronica Chi ‘21
DANCE
Coached by Joy Thiesen-Braunstein COACHES AWARD Dominique Adessa ‘21
GOLF
Coached by John Fraher and Ed Schneider MOST VALUABLE Brooke Barron ‘22 COACHES AWARD Anais Ko ‘21 COACHES AWARD Eva Denten ‘23
LACROSSE
Coached by John Lyons and Lauren Campagna MOST VALUABLE Julia Reilly ‘21 MOST IMPROVED Mina Medina ‘21 COACHES AWARD Severa Brawn ‘22
SOCCER
Coached by Ricardo Azucena and Dominique Banta MOST VALUABLE Elizabeth Bermudez ‘21 MOST IMPROVED Gianna Lertora ‘24 COACHES AWARD Caroline Callagy ‘21
SOFTBALL
Coached by Mike Davis, Sidney Davis and Jim Henderson MOST VALUABLE Kaitlyn Koenig ‘23 COACHES AWARD Jazlyn Villavicencio ‘24 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Giselle Ortega ‘24
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Coached by Andrea Polites MOST VALUABLE Sabrina Jarman ‘22 MOST IMPROVED Anadi Purewal Legha ‘22 COACHES AWARD Lindsay Barrera ‘24
TRACK AND FIELD
Coached by Micheal Garcia and Michael Benedetti MOST VALUABLE TRACK Ella Wilson ‘21 MOST VALUABLE FIELD Asupa Mila ‘21 COACHES AWARD Sophia Knapp ‘23
FROSH VOLLEYBALL
Coached by Juan Calderon MOST VALUABLE Ysabel Cancio ‘24 MOST IMPROVED Riley Hartman ‘24 COACHES AWARD Jenna Manuel ‘24
JV VOLLEYBALL
Coached by Ray Sum MOST VALUABLE Nicole Vo ‘24 MOST IMPROVED Cecelia Murray ‘23 COACHES AWARD Lindsay Laubacher ‘22
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
Coached by Kaylin O’Leary MOST VALUABLE Raquel Calderon ‘23 MOST IMPROVED Teagan Butts ‘22 COACHES AWARD Abby O’Brien ‘22
WATER POLO
Coached by Rob Griffin MOST VALUABLE Kylie Pfeiffer ‘21 MOST IMPROVED Summer McGuire ‘23 MOST INSPIRATIONAL Julia Hulsmann ‘21
* Please Note: The WBAL Board decided not to give All League honors this year.
ON CAMPUS
SENIOR ATHLETE of the Year Kylie Pfeiffer
This award is given to the Mercy senior who has demonstrated the Mission of Mercy through her sportsmanship and ongoing support of the Mercy Athletic program. “Throughout these four years, I learned the values of sportsmanship, hard work, and perseverance, and I wouldn’t have been able to learn those things without the support of teammates and Coach Rob!” —Excerpt from Kylie’s speech
SENIOR SPIRIT ATHLETE of the Year
This was a great achievement for Mercy! To have three play in CCS as part of the best 65 girl golfers in Central Coast Section and to have Brooke Barron tie for fourth place in that field... —John Fraher, Very Proud Golf Coach
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Dominique Adessa This award is given to a cheer or dance year round athlete who exemplifies dedication, passion, and leadership while participating in the Mercy Athletic Program her senior year. “With the closing of Mercy SF, I chose to continue my Mercy education and finished my degree at Mercy B. At Mercy B, there is no Dance Ensemble but we have a Dance Team. Never even dreamed of competing in my art form, I auditioned for Dance Team and became a member. I met the sweetest friends and they became my new extended family.” —Excerpt from Dominique’s speech
Congratulations to
Asupa Mila ‘21 on finishing 5th at the CCS Track and Field Championships! Her throw of 31’ 7.5” earned her a spot on the podium for Girls Shot Put. Go Mercy!
Congratulations Mercy Golfers! MERCY COMPETES IN CCS FINALS Mercy junior Brooke Barron ‘22, finished first in the West Bay Athletic League (WBAL) Championship at Los Lagos in San Jose. Participating in one of the premier private school golf leagues, Brooke finished five strokes ahead of her nearest competitor with a score of 69–one stroke over par. This automatically qualified Brooke for CCS in Laguna Seca, where she tied for 4th place with a 77. Pictured above with Brooke are sophomore Eva Denten ‘23 and freshman Jaylyn Remolona ‘24, who are among the best 65 girl golfers in the Central Coast Section and participated in the CCS finals with Brooke on June 9th. Congratulations Mercy golfers!
ATHLETICS
Congratulations to Mercy’s basketball and softball teams! Both teams had successful seasons and continued on to the postseason. Mercy basketball competed in a CCS Division IV quarterfinals, while WBAL Champion Mercy softball advanced to the Central Coast Section Division III semifinals. THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 13
MISSION
Mission & SERVICE
JUSTICE LITURGY This year’s Justice Liturgy featured guest speaker Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, Founder & Executive Director of Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS), a Latino cultural arts, education and social justice program in Half Moon Bay. ALAS assists agricultural workers on the coast and was our partner in Operation Project Pies this past Thanksgiving. A powerful moment during the Justice Liturgy was when Mercy students, faculty, and staff held up signs lending their voice for the voiceless communities that are important to them.
CONGRATULATIONS MERCY STUDENTS The following students received Commendations from the City of Burlingame for outstanding community service! Adora Pitcock '21, Pamela Xiang '21, Kallie Ung '22, Kate Reeve ‘23, Audra Rodgers '24, Chloe Cox '24, Jaylyn Remolona '24, and Michelle Guzman '24. They participated in The Burlingame Collaborative Intergenerational Project during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The project entailed students being paired with a Burlingame elder, who they interviewed on what it was like to grow up in Burlingame and asked for a recipe. Students wrote a report on their interviews, and a special "Cooking Up a Friendship" cookbook was created. What was once just a quick passageway to the senior lounge or cafeteria has been transformed into a sacred space. A Mary Grotto has been constructed, transforming the thoroughfare into a place of quiet prayer, reflection and peace. In the midst of a busy school day, students and staff can pause for a moment to bring their cares and concerns to Our Lady of Mercy in hopes of being granted her enduring peace.
14 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
MISSION
KAIROS 19
Senior retreat leaders, under the direction of the Campus Ministers, prepare and conduct the three-day Kairos retreat which is traditionally for the juniors. This year we were grateful to offer our seniors their Kairos retreat after COVID forced it to be canceled last year. Kairos provides the opportunity for students to reflect on their relationship with themselves, others and God. The word Kairos means God’s time. Kairos gives students the opportunity and time to allow God to work in them and through them.
Kairos
CLOSING LITURGY
We were thrilled to be able to pray with and celebrate the Class of 2021 at our Closing Liturgy. Seniors gathered in the Great Hall as the liturgy was livestreamed to the rest of the school community. Nataly Lara ‘21 shared an inspiring reflection, which was the heart of the service and it concluded with our traditional honor guard for the seniors led by Lynne Miller, bagpiper. The entire student body greeted and cheered on the Class of 2021 as they exited the Kohl Mansion. Visit www.mercyhsb.com/campus-life/graduation for the recording of the livestream.
THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 15
Dominique Adessa María Guadalupe Alarcon Lopez AnaIsabella Alterio Nancy Elisabeth Astabie Iea Jei Romero Bansil Addison Marie Barba Briana Grace Beatie Sierra Hannah May Beaver Manon Claire Beringer Sarah Jane Berman Elizabeth Marie Bermudez Veronica Christa Bosso Margaret Trasie Brown Natalie Brownstein Caroline Colleen Callagy Lily McKenna Campbell Jenna Villaroman Canicosa Kaitlyn Li Chan Veronica Chi Mia Delaney Chiang
Alyssa Rae Collaço Kyra Elise Comstock Kayla Marie Curran Anna Katherine Dawes Samantha Kēhaulani Doles Anzhuo Emily Dong Viana Bianca Elgart Jenna Rami Elgelda Mia Helene Faillace Sydney Ashley Farrell Marisa Rose Farrugia Samantha Ruth Fischbeck Katarina Elena Fontana Bridget Colleen Forbes Jessica Gamez Olivia Simona Ganoza Hailey Michaela Garcia Erin Elizabeth Gilligan Maya Elizabeth Grant Maya Cole Meishao Hagstrum
Kelley Y. Han Natalie Nguyen Hoang Ella Hockridge Joanne Hui Julia Lynn Hulsmann Natalee Maria Jaber Amira Marie Jones Amelie Justo-Sainz Isleen Justo-Sainz Zepyur Elise Kasparian Anais Inae Ko Nataly Hernandez Lara Charlotte Liberty Kaetlyn Anne Loeffler Malatesta Katherine Michelle Lopez Yeyu Zoey Lu Taryn Olivia Luftman Stella Luo Mia Madeline Zhari Malina Malig
Katherine McLaughlin Mina Luz Medina Raven Ashley Cruz Medina Claire Michele Melnik Wilka Mendiola Alyssa Marie Menner Asupa ‘Eniketi Toe’umu Patricia Mila Savannah Laurel Bartolome Moraga Betsy Morales Ramirez Fiona Culligan Murphy Jasmine Anjoli Murray Samantha Pamela Noll Kristen Ann O’Connell Katelyn Jeanne Osborne Charlize Roselyn Pangasnan Reese Lizel Soriano Parungao Tessa J. Patel Alessandra Penagos
Congratula
16 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
MERCY’S HIGHEST HONORS
Congratulations!
Asupa Mila Mercy High School Head of School’s Award for General Excellence Nancy Astabie Board of Directors Award for Academic Excellence
OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Performing Arts Tessa Patel Visual Arts Anais Ko Social Studies Samantha Doles World Languages Reese Parungao Tri-Lingual Studies Isabella Reynoso
Ella Wilson Sister Amy Bayley Leadership Award
Religion Samantha Doles English Andrea Serna
Taryn Luftman Mother Baptist Russell Service Award
Nataly Lara Sister Mary Gabriel Award for Excellence in Sportsmanship
Mathematics Anna Dawes Life Science Joanne Hui Physical Science Anna Dawes STEM Nancy Astabie Computer Science Zixuan Luna Zhou
MERCY SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL PROGRAM AWARDS Women in Performing Arts Dominique Adessa Margaret Brown Lily Campbell Gabrielle Reyes Kamille Peralta Lily Wong Perkocha Kylie M. Pfeiffer Leia Isabela S. Pineda Adora Argyro Pitcock Annabelle Grace C. Regalado Julia Paige Reilly Gabrielle Nicole Yee Reyes Isabella Anai Reynoso Bianca Gabriella Ribi Nancy Roman-Vite Mia Jo Roy Lilly Danielle Saavedra Darleen Tina Salameh Isabel Sanchez Kailey Malena Sao Andrea Yvonne Serna Isabela Serrano Kayla Shaw Sophia Elizabeth Porter Soliman
Ariel A. Solorzano Elizabeth Soriano Geneva Yoshie Sovinec Meaghan Elizabeth Sowers Margaret Patricia Street Dalia Anne Sweidan Brianna Rose Tamony Ruixuan Tang Sierra Taverna Sterre te Booij Loraine May Trinidad Arianna Isabella Vierra Evelyn Rose Walter Madeline Shin-Rae Wang Ella Grace Wilson Zhoujue Rebecca Wu Yu Pamela Xiang Zixuan Luna Zhou
ations!
Women in the Arts Reese Parungao Sierra Taverna Yu Pamela Xiang
Valedictory Address Nancy Elisabeth Astabie
Women in Science & Health Hailey Garcia Lilly Saavedra Women in Technology Kailey Sao Jenna Canicosa Loraine Trinidad Jessica Gamez Natalie Hoang Amelie Justo-Sainz Betsy Morales Ramirez
Salutatory Address Mia Madeline
Honored Speaker Dominique Adessa
Graduation 2021 was in person and livestreamed on June 6th. Visit https://www.mercyhsb.com/campus-life/graduation. THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 17
Event picks
18 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
The Class of 2021 was accepted to the following colleges and earned over $14.5 million in Scholarships Academy of Art University Adelphi University Albion College Allegheny College American University Amherst College Arizona State University-Tempe (Liberal Arts & Sci) Baldwin Wallace University Beloit College Boston College Boston University (College of Arts and Sciences) Bryant University California Baptist University California College of the Arts California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo California State Polytechnic UniversityPomona California State University-Chico California State University-Dominguez Hills California State University-East Bay California State University-Fullerton California State University-Long Beach California State University-Los Angeles California State University-Northridge California State University-Sacramento California University of Pennsylvania Canada College Carroll College Catholic University of America Central Washington University Chaminade University of Honolulu Chapman University Clark University Coe College Colgate University College of San Mateo Colorado Mesa University Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Concordia University-Montreal Concordia University-Irvine Creighton University (College of Arts & Sciences) Denison University Dominican University of California Drew University Duquesne University Eastern Washington University Ecole Polytechnique Emerson College Emmanuel College Fordham University (Fordham College at Lincoln Center) Franklin and Marshall College George Fox University Gettysburg College Gonzaga University Goucher College Gustavus Adolphus College Hawaii Pacific University Hofstra University Hollins University Holy Names University Hope College Humboldt State University Illinois Wesleyan University Imperial College London Iona College Iowa State University John Carroll University Kalamazoo College King’s College London (University of London) Knox College La Salle University Lawrence University Lehigh University Lewis & Clark College Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland
SENIOR MOTHER DAUGHTER PRAYER SERVICE
Loyola University New Orleans Luther College Macalester College Marist College Marquette University Marymount Manhattan College McMaster University MCPHS University Menlo College Merrimack College Michigan State University Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millikin University Mills College Montclair State University Mount Holyoke College Nazareth College New York University (Tandon School of Engineering) Newcastle University North Carolina State University at Raleigh Northern Arizona University Occidental College Ohio State University-Main Campus Ohio Wesleyan University Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Oregon State University Pace University Pacific Lutheran University Pacific University Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Pepperdine University Point Park University Portland State University Purdue University-Main Campus
Queen’s University Belfast Reed College Regis University Rutgers University-New Brunswick Saint Joseph’s University Saint Mary’s College of California San Diego State University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Clara University School of Visual Arts Scripps College Seattle University Seton Hall University Simmons University Simon Fraser University Skidmore College Skyline College Sonoma State University Southern Oregon University St John’s University-New York St Olaf College Syracuse University The College of Wooster The Culinary Institute of America-CA The Evergreen State College The University of Arizona The University of Edinburgh UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education United States Military Academy University of British Columbia University of California-Berkeley University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of California-Los Angeles (School of Eng. & App. Sciences) University of California-Merced University of California-Riverside University of California-San Diego University of California-Santa Barbara University of California-Santa Cruz University of Chicago University of Cincinnati-Main Campus University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Colorado Springs
University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Denver University of Hartford (Hartt School) University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Iowa University of Kentucky University of Maine University of Manchester University of MassachusettsAmherst University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of Nevada-Reno University of New Hampshire-Main Campus University of New Mexico-Main Campus University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus University of Oregon University of PittsburghPittsburgh Campus University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of Rhode Island University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of the Pacific University of Toronto University of Vermont University of Washington-Seattle Campus University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Valparaiso University Vancouver Island University (VIU) Washington State University Western Washington University Westmont College Wheaton College Whitman College Whittier College Whitworth University Willamette University Xavier University York University
For photos from Senior Pinning visit www.mercyhsb. com/about/photogallery THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 19
MAKING a
difference Scholarship Benefit 2021
Mercy’s 17th Annual Making A Difference Scholarship Benefit was a day of inspiration in a time of unprecedented challenges. This year’s event was the most successful in our 17-year history! Every dollar raised goes directly to tuition assistance. We can’t thank the Mercy community enough for their generosity and commitment at a time when our students and family needed you most.
You did it!
Mercy together, raising a record Mercy came together, raising a recordcame $400,000 in tuition assistance for in ourtuition students! assistance for our students! $400,000 Throughout the country, the Mercy community joined in watching our livestream event from the comfort of their own homes!
20 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
GIVING
“Mercy has given me a great opportunity, a great community and an education that will give me a foundation for my future as well as lifelong friendships. I have realized what it means to truly be a Mercy girl: caring for each other, reaching out to others in need of guidance on their Mercy journey, even if you don’t know them.” —ASUPA MILA ‘21, STUDENT SPEAKER Attending Sacramento State University STUDENT SPEAKER “It is amazing to think how an institution can have so much impact and influence in the development of young women and be a place where they are given a platform to own their uniqueness, to shine bright; instilling within them a sense of purpose and a promise that by believing in each other we can and we will succeed in whatever path we take in our lives.” —VASHTI R. SINIGAYAN ‘99, MPA, KEYNOTE SPEAKER
MAKING a
difference Scholarship Benefit 2021 During the benefit, we presented “A Legacy of Leadership,” a visual and impactful journey of four Sisters of Mercy who were Principals from 1969 to 2003. Through interviews with each Sister and photos of their years at Mercy, they shared with us a glimpse into the times they led the school and the challenges that came along with it. The foundation they laid is a gift to all Mercy girls—past, present, and future.
“Mercy understood our loss and our need to say goodbye in order to begin to heal and embrace a new Mercy community. Now I understand what Ms. CB meant when she said, ‘We are One Mercy,’ because we are all part of the Mercy community.” —JENNA CANICOSA ‘21, MERCY SF TRANSFER, STUDENT SPEAKER Attending UC San Diego
If you haven’t seen the livestream event, it’s not too late. You can watch it at www.mercyhsb.com/giving/mad Save the date for Making A Difference 2022 in person at the Marriott Burlingame - April 28th!
Catherine McAuley Awardees
We extend our deepest gratitude to the late Sr. Marguerite (who passed away May 26, 2021), Sr. Janet, Sr. Amy, and Sr. Rosann, who each received the Catherine McAuley Award. THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 21
Carmen Kestekyan Antonian ‘06, who has her own Instagram presence “Cooking with Carm,” treated our dads and daughters to a fun evening of cooking! Lots of fun and laughter ensued as the dads and daughters cooked together live with Carmen on Zoom! 22 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
From Tri-Tip to Lobster, there was Something for Everyone! From pasta and tri-tip to fajitas, Esposto's Catering partnered with Mercy for a successful season of Mercy Drive and Dine events with food for every occasion. Kate Maciel ‘06, Catering and Events Manager at Esposto’s Catering, worked with our Advancement Team to develop these opportunities. We kicked off our first Drive and Dine Tri-Tip dinner in November, when our traditional Taste and Take Wine event couldn’t take place due to COVID, and we capped it off with our Cinco de Mayo event in May. In February, sophomore parents Marc and Susan Worrall, owners of the New England Lobster Market and Eatery, worked with us to adapt our annual Lobster Feed into a Drive and Dine event—and we even added crab to the menu! No one wanted to miss out on their lobster dinner!
A heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of people who supported these events! It was truly a show of support of our local community supporting one another.
Ever wonder if your LinkedIn profile was important? In her virtual workshop “Rock Your LinkedIn Profile,” Veronica told us why! If you ever wondered why your LinkedIn profile was so important and you missed this presentation, you will want to take a moment and watch this hands-on workshop by Veronica Murillo ‘02, Sr. Customer Success Manager Sales Solutions, Major Accounts at LinkedIn. Whether you are looking for a job, want to change careers, or want to make sure those looking for jobs see how you represent yourself as their future colleague, Veronica has the answer. She walked us through how to brand and market ourselves, how to network, and to best find people to connect with at whatever stage we are in our career and/or job search. Whether you have a LinkedIn Profile or are just getting started, this workshop inspired everyone and motivated us to make changes in how we market ourselves. Veronica is here to help and has already supported a number of alums who have reached out to her. She provides her contact information at the end of the session.
Alumnae Virtual Events
Mercy Parent Club Mercy Dads & Daughters Cooking Together
DRIVE and DINE
ALUMNAE
Alumnae Virtual Events engaged our Mercy community throughout the world! From Japan and Australia to Boston and San Francisco, Mercy alumnae and community members joined us for virtual professional, educational and social events. We laughed, we learned, we reconnected and met new friends. What started out as an experiment during COVID-19 is now going to be built into our ongoing programming, so that we can continue to engage our Mercy community anytime and anywhere. Want to be sure you find out about upcoming virtual and in person events? Join the Mercy High School Alumnae Network, Mercy Connect, at alumnae.mercyhsb.com.
How to Prepare for Climate Change To be inspired was an understatement—we were “wowed!” The hour lunchtime Zoom went by so quickly with David Pogue and Dr. Andrea Metkus who tackled what can seem like an overwhelming topic with humor, practical advice, and an ability to make challenging concepts easily understandable. Dr. Metkus provided a scientific perspective while David spoke to how to adapt to the climate “Global warming is change effects that have already happened and chaos…hotter and how to understand the depth of this impact.
colder, wetter and drier.”
Being able to listen to a CBS correspondent and a retired surgeon (and current Mercy mom) —David Pogue share how they chose to get involved with climate change at this stage in their lives and the difference they hope to make gave each of us something to think about and how we can each respond to this critical issue. Joining the Zoom were current Mercy students, alumnae, Sisters of Mercy, parents, teachers, and community members, as well as two local junior high classes. It was fabulous to have such a breadth of engagement from all ages and the ability to ask questions of these two experts! Thank you David Pogue, NYT bestselling author and CBS Sunday Morning correspondent, and Dr. Andrea Metkus! If you missed the presentation, treat yourself to a worthwhile hour of inspiration and a call to action.
90% of women will be responsible for 100% of their finances at some point in their lives! “Women planning, saving and investing is so important; women have less working years and live longer than men.” These words sparked all of our interest as Brandy M. M. Navarro ‘98, CFP®, ChFC, CLU, Managing Partner and Financial Adviser at Vantage Wealth Management gave us an overview of the broad topics and importance of financial planning. She talked about goals that are important at all ages. Her presentation was inspiring and encouraged us to “start today with self compassion” rather than thinking about things we haven’t yet gotten to. Whatever stage of life you are at, Brandy spoke to women of all ages. You won’t want to miss her presentation which is available on Mercy Connect.
To view recordings of the Alumnae Virtual Events and to learn about future events visit alumnae.mercyhsb.com THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 23
ALUMNAE
“
ESTRELLINA PACIS RIUS ‘97 NASA Ames Systems Engineer
Estrellina (Ester) Pacis Rius '97 works for NASA Ames and the Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific (NIWC PAC). As the Project Lead for multiple robotics projects focused on developing small ground robots used by the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force, she is responsible for managing projects from inception to fielding, including directing multi-disciplinary teams of engineers from Government and private industry, supporting Government Program Offices on acquisition strategies, and developing new architectures to advance robotic controller software. Ester also works at NASA Ames in It’s hard to pinpoint a specific project Mountain View as a that I’m most proud of. Every NASA Systems Engineer in the Intelligent Robotics project I’ve worked on involves Group. Her focus is on engineering management and integration an enormous team that requires of multiple disciplines like electrical engineering, computer science, and interface design that are required to build complex an immense level of teamwork, robotic systems. She says, "It’s hard to pinpoint a specific coordination, motivation, and focus. project that I’m most proud of. Every NASA project I’ve worked on involves an enormous team that requires an immense level of teamwork, coordination, motivation, and focus. To be part of a team like that and produce a successful product in the end always fills me with pride and humility. The most recent project I’m supporting is called VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover). We’re building a new rover that will land at the South Pole of the Moon in late 2023." The mission is to search for water ice, which will help to understand where there is water and how much is available for use on future human space missions.
“
She describes her road to studying engineering as one of discovery and taking chances. When she graduated from Mercy, engineering was not a common career choice among her classmates. Originally, she had applied to business school but was intrigued by “engineering” as an option on college applications. She thought her fondness of math might be her way in, since she
Estrellina, right, on console as science lead in the Multi-Mission Operations Center while, left, K10 Black planetary rover navigates the boulder field in the Roverscape during a Surface Telerobotics Operational Readiness Test at NASA Ames Research Center. Credits: NASA/Dominic Hart. 24 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
ALUMNAE
"hated" science. At the University of San Diego, they offered freshmen preceptorial classes to learn more about the different majors. She took one in engineering and was stunned to find that she was one of only three females in a class of 20. She remembers being bothered by that ratio and thought “girls can do this” too! So she took up the challenge and enrolled as an electrical engineering student the following semester. Ester graduated from the University of San Diego with a BS and BA in Electrical Engineering, and she attained a Certificate in Systems Engineering from UC San Diego.
“
The Honorable Delores M. Etter presented Estrellina with the 2006 Top Scientists and Engineers Award Image credit: NIWC PAC
There isn’t a specific set of classes you need to be good at or take in high school to be an engineer. The general education at Mercy will prepare you, and you should take advantage of opportunities like Mercy's Robotics Team...
Ester is currently applying new science applications and technologies in the robotics area that are meant to improve how we live. She feels that being a female in a traditionally male-dominant career proves that women are equally capable. It is her hope that this inspires young women to not necessarily become an engineer, but to simply know their worth and their accomplishments are not pre-determined for them. When reflecting on her Mercy education, Ester felt that the close community, small classes, and single gender environment allowed her to find her voice and helped build her confidence. She said, "My homeroom teacher Mrs. Biernat couldn’t have been more caring about her students. She was funny and down to earth, which made it easy to confide in her. Having at least one teacher that you feel comfortable talking to can make a huge difference." Her love for math also grew from her Mercy teachers, the Nocetti sisters. "They somehow found a way to make even trigonometry class entertaining through their humor and teaching strategies. I vividly remember their silly drawings on the overhead projector. I honestly found many math concepts difficult, but I enjoyed being in the classroom with them."
Estrellina managed a research & development project from 2008-2012 at NIWC PAC that developed a prototype system to autonomously sense, explore, and map its environment. Pictured with her team and retired Technical Director Bart Everett. Credits: NIWC PAC
What's Ester's advice to Mercy students aspiring to be an engineer? She says, "There isn’t a specific set of classes you need to be good at or take in high school to be an engineer. The general education at Mercy will prepare you, and you should take advantage of opportunities like Mercy's Robotics Team. Coding is more available to high school students these days, so if you enjoy that, then I encourage you to continue having fun with it because there’s so much to learn with coding." Her advice is to find a way to create every day in as many different ways as you can. And this can be done in multiple forms not related to math or science, such as writing stories, pursuing the arts, cooking a new dish, or compiling a complex video reel. But do it with purpose! Anyone can learn the specifics of the engineering discipline, but you can’t teach someone how to be imaginative. And that’s what really makes an engineer.
Estrellina led her team in 2009 at an autonomous unmanned ground vehicle experiment conducted with gov’t/industry partners and Officer Candidate School (OCS) cadets. They investigated the effects of progressive levels of autonomy and speech control on robotic task performance. Credits: NIWC PAC
THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 25
CLASS NOTES Let us know what you are up to! We love to have information for the Class Notes section of The Oaks. Submit your updates and photos online at alumnae.mercyhsb.com under Welcome/Submit Class Notes. If you prefer to email us, you can send your news to alumnae@mercyhsb.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!
1946
Irene Garibaldi Aubright ‘46 is a great grandma to Zoe Jana Scandurra (pictured left). Last August, they enjoyed their first real visit since Zoe was born!
1949
Bebe Faas Rice, ‘49 recently passed away and her son John sent this lovely tribute: My mother loved her time at Mercy among the oaks, and graduated from the College of the Holy Names across the Bay. After college in 1954, my mother wanted a little adventure, a chance to see more of her country and the world, and the opportunity to serve the U.S. As her father had served in the Marine Corps in WWI and fought at Belleau Wood, her father and mother supported her plan to become a Marine. In the mid-1950s, it was not a well-trodden path for a young woman. Mom always joked that she made the exact same amount as a male Second Lieutenant at about $222/month. This put her way above the average of wage-earning females at that time. She enjoyed the Marine Corps and there met my father, who is also a Marine. He retired after 37+ years in the Corps. They had a wonderful life together and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in November. Bebe was a noted author with 18 published children’s books. She was always a kind, loving, and generous mother and grandmother to her son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. In January 2021, Bebe Faas Rice was buried at Quantico National Cemetery with full military honors. Her grave is not too far from Quantico Marine Corps Base, where her adventure as a Marine began, where she met my father one December evening at a holiday party in the Bachelor Officer Quarters, and where she was married at the Base Chapel—befitting its name as “The Crossroads of the Corps.”
1956
Cecilia Kolloch Wolary ’56 was called home on December 25, 2020. Cecilia is the sister of Charlotte Kolloch Wiard ’58. Mary Lou Woodman Whitcomb ‘56 submitted this update for her classmate Ann Duffy Meuser ‘56. Ann and her husband moved to
Denver, North Carolina, three years ago to be close to family. By this Christmas, they will have 17 great grandchildren! They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year and feel truly blessed. Ann says, “We always enjoy hearing from and about our classmates. I have been reading posts from classmate and biologist Regina Burke on Facebook. She has such an interesting life and writes op/ed articles on various topics!” 26 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
1959
Catherine (Kay) Conklin Regan-DeDicco ‘59 lives in an active adult community at the New Jersey shore with husband Mike. She just completed a year as head of her church’s governing body and serves as secretary to the Diocesan Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. She misses her children and grandchildren who are spread throughout in Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey. Lots of Zoom family meetings have kept everyone in touch but nothing beats being together in person. Kay is hoping we will overcome this pandemic soon!
1963
Janet Ruffing, RSM,’63 taught at both Mercy Burlingame and San Francisco in the 60’s and 70’s. She became Professor Emerita of the Practice of Spirituality and Ministerial Leadership at Yale Divinity School where she had been teaching from 2010-2020. Sr. Janet currently has an office in Russell Hall at Mercy and resides in Millbrae. She continues to offer spiritual direction and occasional webinars on Zoom and works on other scholarly projects. Maureen Marconi ‘63 reported that after numerous trips and cruises were canceled over these past two years due to the pandemic, she decided to take up sewing once again after 30 years. Maureen took Beginning & Intermediate Clothing Construction online through the emeritus program at a junior college. It was at Mercy that she learned to sew—developing such a passion for it that she majored in Home Economics, taught numerous high school students sewing, quilting, and other embroidery crafts for over 15 years. “Thank you Mrs. Birchak!”
1964
It is with sadness that we share that Clancy Wilborn, husband of Nanci Arata Wilborn ‘64, sister-in-laws Jo Arata Macaluso ‘67, and Patricia Arata ‘60, was called home this past January. We extend our sympathy to the Arata and Wilborn families.
1966
Carol Haines Peters ‘66 has been married to Rich for 51 years. She says, “Our secret to a successful marriage includes working at our relationship everyday, loving unconditionally, and always respecting one another. It’s important to always remember why you married him or her, and have God as your center.” Mercy made her stronger in her faith. She has survived two cancers: one that required a bone marrow transplant with a 10% survival rate and breast cancer stage 3. Her children are 47, 45, and 42, and are a great help and supporters. They have five grandchildren and one great grandchild. “Lookup and smell the roses, even if you don’t want to.” Diane Roby ‘70 reported that her sister, Sr. Linda Roby, BVM ‘66
of Portland, Oregon, was honored in January 2021 with the Fr. David Walsh Pastoral Worker Award, which recognizes the dedication of an individual or group serving the Catholic Deaf. The award from
CLASS NOTES the National Catholic Office of the Deaf celebrates Sister Linda’s 40 years of ministry as a Pastoral Worker for the Deaf, primarily in the Archdiocese of Portland, serving the Catholic Deaf community throughout the state of Oregon. The award announcement read, in part, “The Catholic Deaf Community members love and adore Sr. Linda with all hands up and with huge hearts of appreciation.” Congratulations Sr. Linda!
1967
Susan Michelony ‘67 is a proud
mother and grandmother who, within 20 years of graduation, obtained a pilot’s license, two bachelors of arts degrees, three credentials, and two master degrees. She removed her shingle from the principal’s Chico Unified door in January 2011. Failing at retirement, she accepted an interim principal/superintendent position in 2012 at Chico Country Day Charter which lasted three years. Presently, she is at Chico State University’s School of Education as a student teacher supervisor. In her free time, she continues to compete in tennis matches—at her age level of course! Pictured above: Annual Spring Training trip with daughter, Lisa Michelony Feldman, and granddaughter, Kaila Feldman Ewing
1968
During “COVID Sheltering in Grace,” Darlene Rose DeMaria ‘68 has continued her Educational Therapy practice “Edu-Therapy Learning Center” via Zoom right from her living room. She still has her office in downtown Burlingame. Darlene’s students range from K-12, and she has celebrated educational “wins” Working with students via ZOOM— during this pandemic. One student practicing “Sheltering in Grace.” graduated with honors and is now attending a private high school; a writing student celebrated a very fun Bar Mitzvah and even wrote the script for this event; soon one of her 8th grade students will graduate and move on to high school this fall. Darlene is grateful for the spiritual fortitude and strength she needed to move through this pandemic. Her four years at Mercy High contributed greatly to building her inner strength and character. She is grateful for Mercy friends, now sisters, and teachers who helped nurture the warmth of character that lights her way everyday!
Elvina Armento, mother of Val '69, Anne '74, Janice '76, Lisa '78 and grandmother to Emily '09 enjoys a special moment— reading the Christmas note from Caroline '21 and Katie '23 Callagy—recipients of the William J. and Elvina T. Armento Family Scholarship. In the letter, the girls shared several pictures of the five Callagy siblings (also members of St. Gregory Parish) and an update on their activities this year. The Callagy sisters were each chosen for this scholarship upon their 8th grade graduation from St. Gregory School. They demonstrated the qualities of self-motivation, enthusiasm for learning, reliability, work ethic, and academic promise. Caroline Callagy ‘21 will be attending UC Davis in the fall.
Class of 1969 established a 50th Anniversary Class Scholarship Under the leadership of Elaine Andrews,
Val Armento, Margaret Bentson, Sheila Canzian, Cherie Gluck and Marilyn Cullen Quinlan, the Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund was established in conjunction with the anniversary of their 50th Reunion. This fund was established with a “match gift” of $25,000 from several class members, and all members of the class have been invited to give to this scholarship fund and are encouraged to donate yearly to ensure long term support.
1970
Robin Leach Bosche ‘70 is still splitting time between her island home in Belize, Central America and Novato, California. She is blessed with her husband’s two wonderful daughters, their husbands, grandchildren, and now great grandkids. They also have a dog, cat, and horse. Robin still enjoys traveling, scuba diving, hiking, working with animals, nature, friends, and family. She counts her blessings daily!
1971
Maryann Smetzer ‘71 passed away unexpectedly due to natural causes on March 8, 2021. Prior to her retirement, she had spent her career as a much loved guidance counselor at Los Altos High School. Sue Roby Webber ‘71 stated, “She was an integral member of the class of 1971, having been on student council, an ‘NHS’ recipient, on the staff of The Shield, as well as being involved in many class activities. She remained a true light in this world.”
1972
Elizabeth Fajardo ’72 is happy
to announce that she is a new grandma to Joni Lesser Kusich. Pictured left, Grandma Liz and week-old Joni. Photo was taken by proud papa Anthony.
After Cathy Rach Parrish ‘72 retired from 42 years at Sequoia Hospital in January of 2020, she and her husband Gary realized their dream of moving to Tennessee in August. Although COVID has limited their outings to explore, they are enjoying the beauty eastern Tennessee offers, and they look forward to expanding their travels around the East Coast. Photo: Magical first Christmas in their Knoxville, TN home
1974
Debbie Day Sandobal ‘75
and her husband happily retired last year. They’re still in Honolulu and expecting their third granddaughter this year. They plan on cruising the Mediterranean next year! Pictured right: Debbie and family at her son’s wedding THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 27
CLASS NOTES
1975
1988
Annette Fajardo ‘75 writes that during COVID, she has converted
With great pride and anticipation, Elizabeth Contreras`88, shares the news that her daughter, Cassandra (pictured left), has been accepted with Honors to Mercy’s Class of 2025. Cassandra and Elizabeth come from a long lineage of Mercy graduates and are delighted to keep the legacy going! Congratulations to Cassandra!
her carport into an outdoor gathering place. She put in a pot bellied stove and added comfortable seating. Every Wednesday, she holds a bonfire potluck. And if it rains, the group gathers in the “COVID Clubhouse” instead of the fire pit. “It’s been a great way to gather safely, socialize outside, and be warm!”
1979
Lisa Raddi Simmonds ‘79 reported that she and her family survived the worst of COVID-19 with jobs intact. Daughter Sarah graduated Notre Dame in Belmont in June and plans to attend UC Davis in the fall (following in mom’s footsteps). Lisa and husband Muruga look forward to traveling again including a twice postponed trip to Italy to visit Lisa’s relatives. #letsgetvaccinated
1983
After 30 years in education, 26 years as a teacher and four years as a principal, Michele Larsen Francesconi ‘83 retired at the end of this school year! She will be moving her dad in to live with her family, and they plan on traveling to Italy in the near future. Pictured left: Michelle teaching from her classroom at Central Middle School.
1984
The Hayward Chamber of Commerce honored Dr. Lisa Davies ‘84, Ed.D. during Black History Month 2021. Dr. Davies is the Educational Services Assistant Superintendent for the Hayward Unified School District. She is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to rigorous learning opportunities in an effort to make certain they are prepared to be competitive and make a positive difference in our society. She has a proven record of effective K-12 school instruction and leadership as a public school teacher and administrator. As principal of Bret Harte Middle School, she was selected by the Hayward Chamber as Educator of the Year! adventure! After a year of quarantine shutdowns, Taste Buds Kitchen San Jose is open for culinary entertainment fun for kids, adults, and families! Taste Buds Kitchen specializes in fresh and unique cooking events. Their mission is to be the top culinary entertainment experience by engaging and delighting their budding chefs in the kitchen. Taste Buds Kitchen San Jose is owned and operated by Belinda with the help of her daughter Madeleine. Website:
1985
Jackie Birkeland Rodriguez ‘92,
enjoys showing off her Mercy Class Ring. Daughter Kacey Rodriguez ‘22 received her ring at this year’s Junior Ring Ceremony. She now joins mom and sister Riley Rodriguez ‘20 as they sport their rings and show their Mercy pride!
1996
Veronica Ramirez ‘96 celebrates her 10 year anniversary with the City of Redwood City where she serves as the City Attorney. She served as Senior Assistant City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney before being appointed as City Attorney in 2016.
2006
Since graduating from Mercy,
Monique Lopez Feybesse ‘06
immediately started her career as a Chef. She trained at the California Culinary Academy and gained experience at some of the best fine dining restaurants in the world (SF Bay Area, New York, Copenhagen, and Paris). She now runs her business, Tarts de Feybesse, with her husband, and specializes in modern pastries with traditional French roots while raising her two little boys.
Carmen Kestekyan ’06
Belinda Yamashiro ‘84, Owner of Taste Buds Kitchen San Jose
Helene Beary Christian ‘85 shared, “For those of you who knew my mom, sadly, Grainne Beary passed away on January 3, 2021. She will be missed.”
28 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
Tradition continues... (pictured right)
The Save the Cliff House Collection effort hopes to preserve the former restaurant’s top memorabilia pieces. Organizer of ACT Art Conservation, Mercy Alum Alexandra Thrapp Mitchell ’06 says, “My work as a conservationist gives me a strong inherent interest in protecting pieces of heritage and history from being disassembled. The Cliff House’s preservation campaign; however, is an ‘angel project’—a pro bono effort to protect works I’ve admired over the years as a city native.” Alex is happy to have Mercy Alum Camille Tallon ’99 helping out with this community project.
Belinda Yamashiro ‘84 started a new
www.tastebudskitchen.com/san-jose-south/
1992
now runs her own business “Cooking with Carm.” She graciously hosted two virtual cooking events for Mercy this past year. Carmen led a “Father and Daughter” cooking event and a 30-minute meal for alumnae and current parents.
CLASS NOTES
2008
Kathleen Lund ‘08 was
chosen as the first nurse at Sutter Health Mills Peninsula Hospital to get the COVID vaccine! She is an ICU charge nurse. What an honor! As she says, “After 10 long months, today we finally have validated hope. But for now please be safe and continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, and social distance.”
Michelle Bradley ‘11 recently graduated with her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UCLA, and is working as a Patent Agent at the law firm Morrison & Foerster, LLC in Palo Alto. She enjoys being around innovative science everyday. Michelle will shortly begin law school to become a Patent Attorney with the firm.
2013
Jill Dannis ‘13 will be joining the full-time MBA Class of 2023 at University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business this Fall 2021. Go Blue!
Kelly Madera ‘08 was living in Berlin when COVID-19 rocked
the world. She threw herself into German classes and achieved conversational fluency. Kelly’s freelance writing projects that depicted her life as an expat were featured in the London-based, Taylor Magazine. Her sustainable research was snapped up by Gloria Steinem’s illustrious publication, Ms. Magazine. During lockdown in Berlin, she began crafting her first book, a memoir about her life. After one year in Berlin, Kelly moved back to the Bay Area and continued to build her freelance copywriting business while coaching women to step into bigger versions of themselves so that they too, can manifest their dream lives and careers. Kelly’s book is currently Kelly Madera in her San in the editing process and will soon be Francisco apartment queried to agents. To get in touch with Kelly, find her on social media @kellymmadera, www.kellymadera.com or via email km@kellymadera.com.
2009
Kelly Franco ‘09 has written two children’s books and was gracious enough to read these for Mercy Alumnae virtual events this past year. Her childrens’ books “A Tail of Two Friends” and “Oh, the Pawsibilities” can be purchased on Amazon.
2011
Samantha Benz ‘11
received her BA in Education from St. Mary’s College of California. From there, she has taught in elementary and high schools in South Central Los Angeles, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Harlem, NY. Samantha moved back to the Bay Area a year ago and is now a Religious Studies teacher at Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) in San Francisco. ICA is an all-girls school, which is something near to Samantha’s heart as she loved her experience at Mercy. She and her students were in distance learning up until April when they finally got to be in person. Samantha is loving being back in the Bay Area!
Amanda Odasz ‘13 graduated cum
laude from Harvard Law School on May 27, 2021. She also received the Dean’s Award for Community Leadership. Amanda is moving to Washington, D.C., where she will begin her career as an associate at Covington & Burling LLP.
2015
After graduating from Carroll College in 2019 with a degree in Anthrozoology, Allison Hance ‘15 landed her dream job at Guide Dogs for the Blind. She is an apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor/ Trainer. Photo: Ali with her dog Raime, raised during Ali’s senior year at Mercy.
2016
In May of 2020, Ally Ick ‘16 graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BBA in Strategic Design and Management, as well as a minor in Fashion Communications. She is now working as an Account Coordinator at Nike Communications, Inc., a creative communications agency that specializes in marketing for a variety of luxury brands.
2017
Annie Breidinger ‘17 recently graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Next, she will be joining the Special Projects Group at Apple as a Test Engineer.
Toni Breidinger ‘17 became the first Arab
American female driver to participate in a NASCAR national series. She was honored and excited to be the first, and hopes that she can pave the way for future female Arab drivers as well. THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 29
CLASS NOTES Aisling Horgan ‘17 graduated from California State University, Chico on Saturday, May 21, 2021, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration - Marketing. Aisling will begin her career this October in Santa Monica as a Business Development Representative for Oracle-NetSuite.
Abbie Hui ’17 has officially graduated from Brown, and will continue on in their 5th year Master’s program for Pathobiology as she continues to prepare for the MCAT. Her ultimate goal is med school! Katie Luttringer ‘17 graduated from Boise State University with a B.B.A. in
Entrepreneurship Management & Business Administration and a Minor in Marketing. Her time at Boise State allowed her to grow both personally and professionally in an environment that always encouraged her to show up as her best self. Looking ahead, she is thrilled to announce the she will be starting her career with NetSuite as a Business Development Representative in Santa Monica this fall. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join such an innovative company in an amazing new city!
Chickie Polanco ‘17 recently graduated with her BS from Salve Regina. Chickie is planning to continue her education in their Master’s program this fall. Pictured below L to R: Aisling Horgan ‘17, Abbie Hui ’17, Katie Luttringer ‘17 and Chickie Polanco ‘17. Please see their class notes above.
Sr Marguerite Buchanan, RSM 1932 - 2021 Sister Marguerite served as Mercy High School, Burlingame’s principal from 1969 to 1975 before serving as Mercy High School, San Francisco’s principal from 1976-1996. There is no doubt she impacted the lives of all those whose paths she crossed during her lifetime. All who knew Sister Marguerite would agree that her smile could light up any room and that there was always something so calming about being in her presence. She radiated joy and love.
In Memoriam
PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING ALUMNAE IN YOUR PRAYERS. As of this publication, we have noted the “In Memoriams” received between November 5, 2020 to June 15, 2021. Those received after that date will appear in our Winter Oaks. Edith Ferrario Altermann ‘61 Julia Leavitt Balfour ‘96 Janine Bethscheider ‘64 Carole Fazackerly Casini ‘57 Evelyn Mullen Castleberry ‘47 Barbara Williams Labagh ‘62 Gwyneth Bond Lister ‘47
Kathy McMillan ‘47 Bebe Faas Rice ‘49 Regina Wertz Ruport ‘60 Melissa Stieren Scott ‘88 Maryann Smetzer ‘71 Michele Tinucci ‘85 Cecilia Kolloch Wolary ‘56
The Mercy Mass Program - At each of our school liturgies, we pray for those people who have been acknowledged in the Mercy Mass Program. Donations are made in memory of a loved one and to honor others for anniversaries, birthdays, or at times of illness. To enroll a loved one in the Mercy Mass Program, simply contact the Mercy Advancement Office at 650.762.1190 or visit our website at www.mercyhsb.com. 30 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
Former Mercy High School faculty member and student counselor (19681972) Rey Friel shared that, "Sister Marguerite’s leadership was always creative, inclusive, affirming and motivated by a desire to serve others. She was a delegator par excellence, which inspired faculty, staff, students and parents alike, to actively engage in life and to pursue their own guidance and sense of purpose." Sister Marguerite’s legacy will forever be felt at Mercy High School and through the ways in which her fellow Sisters of Mercy, former colleagues, and former students continue to share the gift of Mercy that she influenced along the way. Thank you, Sister Marguerite Buchanan, for your incredible leadership at Mercy High School, Burlingame and for giving your life to furthering Mercy’s mission through your vocation. May you rest in peace. — Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan ‘02 Head of School
UPCOMING EVENTS ALUMNAE
Visit our website for details on these and other events: www.mercyhsb.com!
Mercy Alums - Don’t miss out! Want to be sure you find out about all of the upcoming virtual and in person events? Register for the Mercy High School Alumnae Newtwork, Mercy Connect, at alumnae.mercyhsb.com and you’ll get all of the updates and monthly news via email. You can also find the alumnae online directory, connect with alumnae by career and college, as well as engage in mentoring! Register now at alumnae.mercyhsb.com.
V irt ual!
Hola! Bonjour!
A MERCY TASTING EVENT
at
Kohl Mansion Friday, Nov. 19th • 7-10PM
Wine and Spirits Tasting, Food and Live Music! All proceeds benefit Mercy High School Open to the Public, 21 & over
Evening of fun, laughter and conversation with Madame Barthe and Señora Castillo September 15, 2021 7-8PM via Zoom Register @ alumnae.mercyhsb.com
Sponsored by the Alumnae Association
Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 5-9PM
Admission: $10 (no charge for children under 12) See the Kohl Mansion in its Holiday Elegance! • Docent Presentations • Over 50 Vendors
Christmas Cheer at the Mansion Homecoming We are so happy that we are able to gather in person for this year’s Homecoming! We welcome all Mercy alums to Homecoming, with special recognition for graduating classes ending in ‘0, ‘1, ‘5 and ‘6 (except ‘70 who have plans in the works and will celebrate at Homecoming Sept 2022). Register now at alumnae.mercyhsb.com.
FOR ALUMS AND MOMS OF ALUMS December 13th, 2021 6PM A special evening for Alums and Moms of Alums (MOMA’s). Come together or on your own. The Alumnae Association and MOMA’s are our hosts and there is no fee to attend! Reserve your spot at alumnae.mercyhsb.com under events.
THE OAKS SUMMER 2021 31
MERCY HIGH SCHOOL
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2750 ADELINE DR
PA I D
BURLINGAME CA 94010-5597
MERCY HIGH SCHOOL
admissions
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Discover the innovative all-girls school making a huge impact in the lives of young women.
Get to kn ow Mercy!
Parent Talk & Tours 9-10AM • Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 20 Girls on the Green for 6th, 7th & 8th Graders
Monday, September 27 • 3-5PM
Open House Sunday, November 7 • 12-3PM Shadow Days for 8th Graders - Sept. to Dec.
32
Experience a day in the life of a Mercy student. A shadow day is required for all applicants.
Important Dates Early Bird & AMES Application Deadline December 3, 2021
Application Deadline January 7, 2022
Financial Aid Deadline February 11, 2022
FIND YOUR VOICE DISCOVER A PASSION BUILD A FOUNDATION BE CHALLENGED BE TRANSFORMED BE KNOWN MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME For more information and to register for events, visit www.mercyhsb.com/admissions
