The Maguire Scholars - Merion Mercy Academy

2023-24

M A G U I R E

S C H O L A R S

Dear Jim and Megan, Almost 200 years ago, Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley emerged as a beacon of vision, challenging societal norms and championing the transformative power of education. Today, as we stand on the precipice of a new era, we continue to carry forward Catherine’s legacy.

Your steadfast partnership in this mission-driven work deserves our deepest thanks.

Through your generous support, we have been able to break barriers and provide young women with the tools they need to make a lasting impact on the world. Together, we are rewriting the narrative for the women of tomorrow.

It is with immense pleasure that we showcase the remarkable individuals who are the 202324 Maguire Scholars. These young women stand at the intersection of gratitude and opportunity, recognizing that their journey here has been paved by the unwavering support of The Maguire Foundation.

Engaged in a diverse array of studies, these students are not just scholars but agents of change. They delve into their academic pursuits with unwavering dedication, extending their influence beyond the classroom. In the community, on the athletic field, on the stage, and in leadership roles, they contribute tirelessly while fostering a sisterhood that is both loving and supportive—a unique hallmark of Merion Mercy.

As you learn more about them in the following pages, you’ll witness a collective certainty among these scholars that they are on a transformative journey, growing from girls with dreams to women of passion and purpose.

With gratitude for your ongoing support,

Marianne Grace

Class of 2024 Jada Boose Tasia Brice Nevaeh Cann-Sowell Jessica Glancey Lucy Hatfield Gurvanshjot Kaur

Class of 2025 J’kaya Brown Sienna Davenport Margaret Judge Keiko Nguyen Raquel Sampson Ava Singleton

Class of 2026 Shayla Adams Raven Diggins Kathryn Dooley Maya Hogan Colette Remy Natalia Stalnecker 2

Class of 2027 Brooke Battle Emily Charles Cole Caelle Norbrun

2024

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Name: Jada Boose

Activities: Dance, President of the Black Student Union, Merion Mercy Music Theater, Mock Trial Best Part about School Year: In the past couple of months, I have been blessed with a couple awards. I was named Main Line Student of the Week in October and received National African American Recognition from the College Board in September.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I feel genuinely prepared to enter higher education. When I chose Merion Mercy, I believed that they would challenge me to be the best student I can be, and I’m happy to say that I was right! I am so grateful to The Maguire Foundation and Merion Mercy for an extraordinary high school experience.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: Earning all As on the upcoming report card and graduating with Distinguished Honors

Looking Ahead after Graduation: Jada has been accepted to George Mason University, Widener University, Quinnipiac University, and Saint Joseph’s University, as a criminal justice major. She is planning on attending law school after she earns her bachelor’s degree. She has earned more than $400,000 in scholarships over four years so far.

Name: Tasia Brice Activities: Leader of Self Care & Beauty Club, member of Black Student Union, Ministry Team Best Part about School Year: Becoming the leader of a great club that so many underclassmen enjoy.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I’m most thankful for the lifelong bonds I’ve created with my Merion sisters.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: Commit to my top college, graduate with honors Looking Ahead after Graduation: Tasia has been admitted to West Chester University and St. Louis University and is waiting to hear back from many other colleges as well. She hopes to be on the prehealth track to become a Speech Language Pathologist.

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2024

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Name: Nevaeh Cann-Sowell

Activities: Blue Key Society, Black Student Union, Art Major Best Part about School Year: It was awesome working with the Dance Troupe on the Christmas concert performance. I got to see a lot behind the scenes, and it was really fun to see the performance when it was all finished.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: Thanks to the Maguire Foundation, there’s so much I get to experience at Merion Mercy that I hadn’t before. I came from a really small middle school and there wasnt really much to do there. At Merion, I have met so many friends, and my teachers really care about me and my education.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: Continue to have good grades in my classes and to enjoy and savor my last year at Merion Mercy before I graduate.

Looking Ahead after Graduation: Nevaeh has been accepted to Pace University (NYC), Clark Atlanta University, and Pitt ( Johnstown). She will be a business major, though currently undecided in which specific field.

Name: Jessica Glancey Activities: Crew, American Sign Language Club, Mercy Mission Corps, Blue Key Society Best Part about School Year: I’ve really enjoyed visiting colleges this past semester and seeing the opportunities that a Mercy education has opened up to me. I’m getting excited for the next chapter and figuring out what classes and areas of study I enjoy at Merion and want to continue to pursue.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I’m so very grateful for my friends, my mentors, the people I can collaborate with, my teachers, and everyone I get the opportunity to interact with everyday that lives out Merion’s values of service and love. Thanks to The Maguire Foundation, I am able to experience all of this and more!

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: To enjoy every last event and moment at Merion, and to prepare myself for college.

Looking Ahead after Graduation: Jessica has been admitted to Fairfield, Fordham, and Duquesne and is waiting to hear back from the majority of schools to which she applied. She hopes to study Biochemistry or Molecular Biology and row on the crew team in college.

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2024

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Name: Lucy Hatfield

Activities: Merion Mercy Music Theater, National Art Honor Society, Dungeons and Dragons Club, French Club Best Part about School Year: The best part about my school year so far has been being able to take a creative writing class during the summer and furthering my skills as a writer.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: Being a Maguire Scholar has changed the trajectory of my life. I am thankful for all of the opportunities at Merion Mercy, which includes being an art major, taking classes in creative writing, forensic science, and classical mythology, and participating in the theater program. Merion has also allowed me to take opportunities outside of the classroom such as the Mercy Immersion Summer Service trip, where I was able to go to the Kensington neighborhood and volunteer for a week. Merion has helped me evolve, not only as a student, but also as a person.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: In 2024, I hope to continue to work on creative projects and be named to the honor roll.

Looking Ahead after Graduation: Lucy has been accepted to Hofstra, Saint Joseph's University, Savannah College of Art & Design, the University of the Arts, and the University of Pittsburgh. She has a few other colleges she's waiting to hear back from. She's earned more than $400,000 over four years in scholarships so far. She has been considering careers in creative writing or film.

Name: Gurvanshjot Kaur Activities: Mu Alpha Theta, Mathletes, Leader of Science Honor Society, Women for Political Activism, Rho Kappa, Blue Key Society, Track and Field manager Best Part about School Year: The best part about the school year so far has been learning to excel in public speaking through my Speech and Contemporary Issues class! This class brings forth challenges that I am willing to overcome!

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I am thankful for the sisterhood. The connections I have made at this school are one-of-a-kind and forever. My classmates are the reason I smile every day!

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: I want to focus on self-care, whether its mental health or physical care!

Looking Ahead after Graduation: Gurvanshjot has been accepted to Temple University and Loyola Chicago thus far and is waiting to hear back from others. She plans on attending medical school after earning her bachelor's degree in Biology or Chemistry.

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2025

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Name: J’kaya Brown

Activities: Black Student Union, Blue Key Society, Pep Squad Best Part about School Year: Forensic Science, this class has been my favorite!

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I’m thankful for past and future opportunities.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: Work on my time management, and to produce something I’m truly proud of.

Name: Sienna Davenport Activities: Mercy Mission Corps, Art Honor Society, Stage Crew Best Part about School Year: It has been incredible working on our theater productions!

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: Without the generosity of The Maguire Foundation, I would not have the incredible preparation I am getting for college! I can say with certainty that being a Maguire Scholar has been one of the most (if not the most) impactful opportunities of my life.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: Focus a little more on myself and my interests.

Name: Margaret Judge Activities: Crew, Ministry Core Team Member, History Club, American Sign Language Club, Mercy Mission Corps Best Part about School Year: My favorite part of the school year thus far was when I had the honor of being inducted as a member of the Catherine McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). The NHS combines many of the values that I treasure, such as scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I am most thankful that my Merion Mercy education challenges me to go beyond what I believe I am capable of. Additionally, I am so thankful for my teachers at Merion because they have unceasingly supported me through the difficulty of the courses offered. I would like to thank The Maguire Foundation for the opportunity to attend this academically challenging school and for enabling me to participate in extracurricular activities while practicing my faith in an all-girls Catholic school.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: My personal goal for 2024 is to develop my time management skills. My academic goal for 2024 is to receive Distinguished Honors at the end of my junior year.

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2025

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Name: Keiko Nguyen

Activities: ASIA Club, ASA, Orchestra, Meriannal, National Honor Society, Mercy Mission Corps Best Part about School Year: I actually loved midterms when I got to review all that I learned in my courses. In particular, presenting about contemporary issues in my Ethics class allowed me to participate in religious self-discernment, but also understand viewpoints among my peers and among the Church community.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: The Maguire Foundation and Merion Mercy Academy have opened up many opportunities that I would otherwise never have. I’m thankful for Merion’s way of teaching critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills that will not only help me in academic and career pursuits, but also in personal, philosophical, and community pursuits. Without the scholarship, none of this would be possible!

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: My goal for 2024 is to have at least a B+ as my final grade in Accelerated Honors Precalculus.

Name: Raquel Sampson Activities: K-Pop Club, ASIA Club Best Part about School Year: So far my most exciting experience has been my Anatomy and Physiology class. Dissecting an animal part and learning how to suture were both fun.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I appreciate the many classes and courses that are offered; the opportunities seem endless!

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: My first goal is to improve my skills in the science field, and my second goal is to keep my grades up!

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2025

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Name: Ava Singleton

Activities: Melodies of Heaven (Gospel Choir), E-STREAM, Space Team, DECA Competition, Black Student Union, K-Pop Club, Merion Mercy Music Theater Best Part about School Year: I have been grateful for the opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills. So far in the school year I’ve been the leader of eight different activities, programs, and clubs, and I’ve enjoyed all of them. It’s a lot of fun making sure everything goes smoothly and that everyone is enjoying the activity.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: The thing I’m most thankful for within my Merion education is my teachers. I’m currently excelling in all of my classes with the great guidance of my teachers. If I have a question, they are so open to helping me, and they encourage me to pass my knowledge on to other students. I cannot imagine going to another high school, and none of this would have been possible without the generosity of The Maguire Foundation.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: To focus more on my grades and social life. I do a lot of extra activities at Merion, yet I rarely have time just to sit and talk to my peers. I would like to build even stronger sisterhood connections!

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2026

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Name: Shayla Adams

Activities: Black Student Union, Mock Trial, Basketball Team, Ricordia Best Part about School Year: A highlight for me has been becoming the Secretary for Merion’s Black Student Union. I have been able to become a prominent advocate for black culture and representation throughout the school. I hope that I can continue to do this and further my position on the executive board throughout the rest of my high school experience.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I am most grateful for the warm and caring community that comes with my Merion Mercy education. The Merion Mercy community is so intimate and kindhearted. Being a part of this second family has not only taught me about my community, but also about myself. Being here at Merion Mercy has shown me so much about caring for myself, caring for the world, and unconditional love for everyone. I’ve been drawn to so many service opportunities as well as doing things for my community.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: I really want to become the President of the Black Student Union at Merion. I have wanted that since I was in elementary school and decided to come to Merion. Being able to do this with and for girls that I especially love and care about means so much to me.

Name: Raven Diggins Activities: Mathletes, Black Student Union, Pep Squad Best Part about School Year: I love my religion class and thoroughly enjoy our morning reflections.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: If not for the generosity of The Maguire Foundation, I would not be able to experience the variety of classes offered and the ability to take the classes that most interest me.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: Start journaling and earn all As.

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2026

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Name: Kathryn Dooley

Activities: Blue Key Society, Spirit Club, Self Care and Beauty Club, Mercy Mission Corps Best Part about School Year: The best part about my school year so far has been the excitement I have to go to school every day and knowing that the community is always there for me.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I am most thankful to The Maguire Foundation for allowing me the opportunity to attend Merion Mercy—where I have met lifelong friends and have teachers who support me when I need it.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: I would like to have straight As and participate more in class.

Name: Maya Hogan Activities: Ricordia, Stage Crew, Calligraphy Club, Blue Key Society, Diversity Leadership Team Best Part about School Year: Participating in Stage Crew!

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I’m so grateful for the educational opportunity I have because of the generosity of The Maguire Foundation. The college prep curriculum, the opportunities, and the extracurriculars we are presented with at Merion Mercy have shaped my life and my future. There really is no place like Merion Mercy! Thank you, Maguires!

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: To keep up with my grades and to read more.

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2026

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Name: Colette Remy

Activities: Blue Key Society, Student Council, Mock Trial, Black Student Union, Ricordia, National Art Honor Society, Pep Squad Best Part about School Year: The best part of my school year so far has been learning new and unique concepts that I can apply to everyday life, specifically in my AP Psychology class. In this class, I’m exposed to mental disorders, therapeutic perspectives, parts of the brain, sensation and perception, etc. The class is fun, engaging, and heightens my curiosity in things I would have never learned if I didn’t take the class.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I am most thankful for my teachers. The longer I’m here at Merion, the more I see the passion and dedication they bring to the table every single time they teach. At Merion, every teacher is there for you and truly wants you to succeed.

Thank you, Maguire family, for the opportunity to attend Merion Mercy and be a part of this wonderful community. I express my profound gratitude to the Maguire Foundation. You have given me one of the best gifts I could ever receive. Both you and Merion Mercy Academy will have a place in my heart forever.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: Two goals I have for myself in 2024 are to study earlier in the day rather than later and to make time for running during the week.

Name: Natalia Stalnecker Activities: Mercy Mission Corps, Blue Key Society Best Part about School Year: The sisterhood experience day where we visited different collages and did a scavenger hunt.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: The many different courses available for me to take, and the caring community. For these incredible blessings and more, I am deeply grateful to the Maguire Foundation.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: To work on my study skills, especially in math.

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2027

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Name: Brooke Battle

Activities: Black Student Union, E-STREAM, Stage Crew Best Part about School Year: Helping with the school play 12 Angry Women.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I am truly grateful to the Maguire Foundation for allowing me to come to Merion Mercy Academy. Here, I get the most incredible support and help from the most caring teachers.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: To be more outgoing and open to all possibilities.

Name: Emily Charles Cole Activities: I take art classes and I do creative writing. I also volunteer at St. Rose of Lima.

Best Part about School Year: The best part of my school year so far has been presenting my end-of-semester art project to my class.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: I am most thankful for the opportunity to express myself more at Merion Mercy and just be a part of the sisterhood.

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: This year my goals are to have As in all my classes and to prepare myself for sophomore year.

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2027

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Name: Caelle Norbrun

Activities: Black Student Union, Pep Squad, Merion Mercy Music Theater, Altar Server, French Club Best Part about School Year: I am enjoying my time at Merion and can’t say enough good things about my school year. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in various activities and enjoyed all of them! I feel grateful to have been a part of these activities at Merion, and I’ve made many friends and great memories through them. I plan to continue participating in these activities, as they have become an integral part of my Merion experience.

What are You Thankful for in Relation to Your Merion Mercy Education and being a Maguire Scholar: Throughout my time at school, I have been fortunate enough to have many positive experiences. However, the sense of community at Merion has been the most significant for me. Despite only being here briefly, I have formed meaningful connections with numerous friends, faculty members, and staff. Being part of the Merion Mercy Academy community has brought me immense joy. The teachers and faculty have offered invaluable guidance and insight, which have helped me grow as a person and a student. Additionally, my friends have helped me become more open-minded and appreciative of the opportunities I have at Merion. I feel fortunate to be part of such a supportive and welcoming community. Thank you for all of this and more, Maguire Foundation!

What Goals Have You Set for this Year: My two goals for 2024 are to become a better scholar in studying and to have a lead in a musical.

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Thank You! 511 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066 phone: (610) 664-6655 web: merion-mercy.com