Seniors Change the World

See how our seniors plan to CHANGE OUR country!

Social Studies Fair Showcases Student Research and the Law

“I have great confidence in you to do what you think best. State your opinion and always act with courage.”

—Catherine McAuley

Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy Mercy’s first Social Studies Fair provided seniors with the opportunity to research socio-political, economic, and societal forces of our time. Students acquired new knowledge and skills by providing a chance to perfect research processes, examine issues, make informed decisions, and advocate for a law or issue. Each project was designed to highlight research and conclusions about the study of critical issues and concerns.

Social Studies, Government and Economics Teacher Thomas Wootten directed the fair and shared the student process: “All Mercy seniors spent time thinking about a law that they would like to see implemented or changed. They then conducted research and wrote a three-page paper on why that law is necessary. These papers were sent to either local, state, or federal legislature members with the objective of influencing potential legislation. However, it was also important to draw others to their cause. Thus, each student created a video on their topic to convince others to join them in support of their legislation. Finally, students presented their topic at our social studies fair to not only parents of the Mercy community but government officials as well.” Wootten’s hope was that projects not only taught students strong research skills, but also helped them understand that the United States government is based on the participation of its members. Students came away knowing that their voices matter and gained confidence in sharing their points of view. For full text and sources of the following students research please use this QR code.

Psychologists Are In Need

Summer wrote to Congresswoman Jackie Speier ‘68 about concerns regarding the lack of school psychologists in California and how it is taking a huge toll on the adolescent population. Her hope was to introduce a law which increases the number of psychologists to better the lives of children across SUMMER ELGELDA ‘22 the state. Summer shared, “My research

American Government on more in-school psychologists truly impacted me in many ways.

Acknowledging the fact that students are in desperate need to seek support is so important, and we must not ignore it. Especially because mental health is decreasing among these children, an increase of in-school psychologists will ensure healthy mindsets of students all around California.” Her research showed that the mental wellness of students in California is a critical concern across the state that must be addressed, as it is just as important as physical health.

CASSANDRA BOUSQUET ‘22 American Government Electric Chargers Need to be Unified

Cassandra wrote to Senator Alex Padilla about a new law that would require a universal, standard charger for all electric vehicles across the United States, because climate change is a pressing, existential crisis that needs to be addressed with bold measures. Requiring auto companies to make a standard, uniform charger for all vehicles would increase the availability of electric cars. She emphasized that this is necessary for the health and safety of our planet. The EU already requires this, and Tesla already complies with its cars sold in Europe. “This proves that this law is logistically possible but must be a clear mandate in order for companies to abide by it,” according to Cassandra. When asked how her research has impacted her, she said, “Over the course of my research, and talking with others who had done research of their own on the subject of electric vehicles and charging options, my understanding regarding this topic has deepened. My research has inspired me to learn more and keep advocating for solutions to combat the climate crisis.”

RINSKÉ BOLANDER ‘22 Government/Economics

The Destruction of Mental Illness in Prisons

Rinské wrote to Senator Josh Becker about the injustices mentally ill persons face in prisons and what changes can be made to improve environments in California State Prisons. Among incarcerated individuals, there have been reported concerns of mental illnesses in 64% of jails, in 54% of state prisons, and in 45% of federal prisons (Weltman, Jeremy, 2015). She pointed out that prisons have become conservatories for housing mentally ill patients due to inmates not getting correct treatments. After completing her research, Rinské believes “There is a lack of treatment caused by unsafe environments in prisons that need to be changed with extra medical help, better institutions, and correct rehabilitation.”

Critical Concerns of the Earth and Anti-Racism

By Julia Angeles, World Language Department Chair and DEI Committee Member

Throughout the spring semester, all Mercy students explored the topic of Environmental Racism. In choosing this social justice issue as a unit of focus, Mercy's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee sought to continue our school's commitment to two of the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy — Earth and Anti-Racism. All departments taught lessons through their particular lens, and Campus Ministry made the topic the focus of their annual Justice Liturgy. To culminate the unit, the DEI Committee held an Environmental Racism collaboration designed to help students reflect on the issue, further their learning, and take action. Students chose to attend one of 16 interest sessions. We hope students will continue to engage in this topic and other social justice issues throughout their time at Mercy and beyond.

Social Justice Poster-Making

Equipped with paper, markers, scissors, and glue, 60 students across all grade levels created social justice posters during our Environmental Racism collaboration. The energy was positive as students worked on visually representing issues they cared about. All in all, it was a beautiful culmination to our schoolwide Environmental Racism unit, our academic DEI focus for the semester. The posters were displayed throughout campus. —Julia Angeles, World Languages Department Chair & French Teacher, Poster-Making session leader

Nurturing the Earth

Many low income neighborhoods lack trees and greenery which provide shade, clean the air, and give off oxygen. Though Mercy's campus may look anything but treeless, looks can be deceiving. Our beautiful oak trees suffer from Sudden Oak Death. Many of these elderly trees are slowly succumbing to this disease. For this reason, students watered young oak saplings that replaced them and planted around the Grotto and student garden for upkeep. —Peter Diaz, Service Learning Coordinator & Religion Teacher, Nurturing the Earth session leader