Making a Difference

from The Oaks - Summer 2020 - Mercy High School, Burlingame

Distance Learning

Though we wish we could have been together in person, our first ever LiveStream event was a huge success!

Hundreds of members of our Mercy community joined us as we pivoted from an in-person dinner to a LiveStream event for our Making A Difference Scholarship Benefit. Our speakers shared the impact Mercy has on their lives, the importanc e of supporting an all-girls Catholic Mercy education, and why your support is so critical.

This year’s challenges have particularly highlighted the impact of the generosity shown through our Making a Difference event. The first week of Shelter in Place many families applied for an increase in financial assistance due to consequences of COVID-19. As families lost jobs, had wage reductions, and faced challenges with their small businesses, we have relied on help from the community to ensure our students can continue to receive a Mercy education. Thanks to the strength of our comunity we have great faith that we will emerge from these trying times stronger, inspired, and more connected than ever before.

“Excerpts from the Evening “My teachers have encouraged me to have the confidence to unapologetically pursue my dreams. They have empowered me as a woman, teaching me to stand up for myself and to use my voice to help others. They have prepared me for college, teaching me that my individuality is not something that should be hidden but instead celebrated. As I leave Mercy, I am ready for the challenges that life will bring.” —Zoe Hammer ‘20; Attending Marquette University School of Nursing in the fall of 2020

“W e empower girls to just be themselves, to own their imperfections so that they can love themselves. We provide “ a safe environment for girls to pursue their passions and to spark intellectual curiosity. We give girls a space to explore their faith and to develop a personal relationship with God. It is imperative that we meet the financial need that comes our w ay.”—Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan ‘02 Ed.D.

Cathy Dunleavy Rosaia ‘72, Making A Difference Steering Committee Chair; Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan ‘02 Ed.D. Head of School and Keynote Speaker; Ysabelle Guevarra Barrera ‘20; Zoe Hammer ‘20, SBO President and Student Speaker; Penny Stack Alexander ‘78, Chair, MHS Board of Directors.

Making A Difference impacts the future for young women who need assistance to attend Mercy. Your support matters! Class of 2020: 41% of the 100 Graduates received financial aid.

Here is a sample of the colleges to which Making A Difference Scholarship recipients were accepted: Boston College University of Arizona Catholic University University of Oregon Gonzaga University University of San Francisco Loyola Marymount University UC and Cal State Campuses New York University University of Hawaii Santa Clara University University of San Diego St. Mary’s College University of Southern California

Through the tremendous generosity of the Mercy $318,600 (as of 6/11/20) community, Making A Difference From Home has raised over $318,600. 100% of every gift goes directly to support our students.

With gratitude, The Making A Difference Steering Committee Kelli Benz P ‘11, ’12, Clare Pool Purpura ‘75, Caroline Romeo P ’15, Chair Cathy Dunleavy Rosaia ‘72, P ’99, Carol Fraher and Mary Lund P ’06, ‘08.

Watch the LiveStream video at: www.mercyhsb.com/giving/MAD. Gifts may also be made on this page.

See you Next Year!