Maguire Foundation Scholars 2020-2021

Merion Mercy and the 2020-2021 Maguire Scholars

“Let us be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” ~Catherine McAuley, Foundress

Dear Megan, Your light shines brightly indeed for our Maguire Scholars here at Merion Mercy. Please accept my most humble and sincere gratitude for the great generosity of the Maguire Foundation toward these students.

We are very proud of our Merion girls right now, for their spirit of grit, compassion, and joy with which they live out these difficult days. With multi-layered protection protocols, we work hard to maintain an outstanding academic program. We have recently transitioned from a hybrid model to a five-day-a-week in-person educational setting, with most students and faculty on campus.

Recipients: Class of 2021 Katherine Convery Bianca Davis Nancy Lam Vicky Liu Khanh-Chuc Nguyen Mairead O’Hara

In our face-to-face campus environment, all wear masks, complete daily health screenings, practice good hand hygiene, and maintain social distance. Further, we follow the gold standard of sanitation and air circulation for maximum safety of our environment. Our students gladly comply with these strict practices because they want to be in the community with their friends and their teachers.

Class of 2022 Madison Brady Zoe Gusikoff Ashley Hackney Emily Ramirez Breya Scarlett Kristen Wharton

With that background, I would like to introduce you to our current Maguire Scholars. As you will see, they are an exceptional group, each of whom reflects the remarkable inspiration of the Maguire Foundation.

All these young women enrich our community with their individual gifts and a true fire that burns in their minds and hearts. The Maguire Foundation has made this possible through your extraordinary generosity and commitment to these very students.

Class of 2023 Autumn Drake Jade Kirby Cecilia Lam Sofea Morett Simone Neal Shannon Pagan

Moreover, every day we are inspired by the life and work of your mother, our esteemed alumna, Frances McLaughlin Maguire ’53.

Her light could never hide under any bushel basket.

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

On behalf of these amazing young women, I thank you and the Maguire Foundation for the bright light you shine on our students and on Merion Mercy.

In Mercy,

Laura Farrell Head of School

Katherine Convery ’21 I am extremely grateful to the Maguire Foundation for my experience at MMA, as it has provided me with a fantastic education and friends whom I will forever cherish. During my years at Merion, I have been very active in sports, the Ministry team, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, E-STREAM Club, and Speak Up. I also have had opportunities to serve as a leader of Kate’s Girls and the Community Service Corps, and as an editor of the yearbook. During my time here, I had the honor of being selected to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, and I also joined the National Honor Society. Thanks to my MMA education, I have already received many college acceptances and scholarships. These past four years have been full of growth, challenge, and joy—and for that, I am forever grateful.

Bianca Davis ’21 I could not imagine a better place than Merion Mercy for my high school years. Here I formed everlasting friendships and was blessed with a very engaged school community. The education I have received has prepared me well for college. I expanded my interests and had leadership opportunities in Mathletes and the Math Honor Society. The STEM club was particularly important as it opened a path that I will pursue in higher education. And yet, my time at Merion has been filled with fun and marked by memorable traditions, like Advent Angels and Weenie Roast. Most of all, this warm and welcoming community blessed me with the spirit of Mercy that I will carry with me forever.

Nancy Lam ’21 It is hard for me to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be a Maguire Scholar at Merion Mercy. I have had so many incredible experiences and cherished memories. I was accepted into Dartmouth College’s Fly-In program in October. This is a program that Dartmouth hosts for prospective Native American students to learn more about the college. I was also invited to attend similar programs at the University of Pennsylvania and at Williams College. Penn also invited me to attend their first all-female hackathon. With the knowledge of all the many opportunities available to me, I have made a decision looking forward: I will pursue a career in nursing. Reflecting on my time at Merion, I find that what I treasure most is my experience of the sisterhood at MMA.

Vicky Liu ’21 The Maguire Foundation enabled and empowered me to explore my true passions at Merion Mercy, especially community service and STEM studies. I was inspired to draw a portrait for a Cameroon child, knit a scarf for a person experiencing homelessness, and get involved in so many other meaningful experiences. Academically, I am thrilled I discovered STEM through the numerous inspiring class offerings in this area. Now I am certain I will major in Computer Science in College. Thank you, Maguire Foundation.

Khanh-Chuc Nguyen ’21 My education at Merion Mercy has inspired my entire mind and heart. My teachers have engaged me in comprehensive discovery and opened me up. I always loved physical science and art, yet I never expected to love biology, a life science. Such exploration has given me great clarity in my career aspirations. I want to become an engineer, with a focus on protecting our environment. I have always focused on high academic achievement. Yet now I am even more glad to have had the opportunity to dig deeper into my passions and to discover new ones.

Mairead O’Hara ’21 Merion Mercy has been my dream school since I was eight years old, and I am so grateful to the Maguire Foundation for giving me this opportunity. The passionate, driven environment at Merion has helped me grow into an outspoken advocate for social justice and a leader in my classes and in the Spanish Club and Biotechnology Club. Over the last four years, I have enjoyed the gift of kind and uplifting friends and teachers who have made the last four years absolutely the best years of my life.

Madison Brady ’22 My years at Merion Mercy Academy have been the best of my life, academically and socially.

The academics specifically have been the most rewarding and important. The opportunities Merion offers are truly astonishing. We can take a course to explore almost every field we might want to pursue. Our teachers offer us endless support. I excel in Mathematics, and I was given permission to take two math courses in one year. I love the many clubs and activities Merion offers, particularly the Ministry Team. I am incredibly grateful to be a Maguire Scholar, enabling me to have this amazing education.

Zoe Gusikoff ’22 As an incoming freshman, I was drawn to Merion Mercy because of the high-quality arts program embedded in an outstanding academic curriculum. I wanted to pursue my dreams as an artist and as a knowledge-hungry student. Thankfully, I was able to do just that with the blessings of the Maguire Foundation. My time at Merion has exceeded my wildest expectation.

I fully embrace this journey, as I see myself growing into the best version of myself, as an individual, as an artist, and as a student. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for this Maguire Scholarship, opening this door of joy and opportunity. An amazing and wonderful gift!

Ashley Hackney ’22 I am grateful to be a student at Merion Mercy because here I can grow to be a better person, develop my love for science, and also explore my creative talents. I am proud of the work I did last year in Principles of Design because I improved my artistic skills, using the right side of my brain. At the same time, I was able to grow in my love of scientific reasoning and fact-based thinking, exercising my left brain. I am grateful for this scholarship that enables me to attend Merion Mercy, as this school fully develops a young woman who uses the left, right, or even both sides of her brain.

Emily Ramirez ’22 As a recipient of your generous scholarship, I cannot thank you enough for providing the funds to make it possible for me to go to Merion Mercy Academy. I cannot even put into words how much that means to me and to my family. With this wonderful opportunity, I look forward to continuing to work hard and to enjoy the various activities here. I love being a member of the National Honor Society and being both a leader and a member of multiple other clubs. It is only through your generosity that I am part of this academically challenging and loving community. I thank you for everything you have done for me and for people like me. This opportunity will completely change our lives; it will change how our life story is written. Your support will enable us to rewrite our stories in a very different way than our socioeconomic situation has tried to write for us.

Breya Scarlett ’22 My Merion education has allowed me to grow into a better person by teaching me how to become a passionate and caring leader. Merion opened up the opportunity for an academically excellent education. More importantly, I have had a chance to learn more about myself, my faith, my community, and how to be a compassionate and responsible member of society. The faculty and staff at MMA are amazing role models. They are passionate about their roles and always stand ready to help and support the students.

Kristen Wharton ’22 I am now a junior here at Merion Mercy Academy, and I am so honored and grateful to be able to call myself a Maguire Scholar. It is beyond my words to express my appreciation for this opportunity, now to be among the Merion Mercy community and for the future that this education will enable me to have. Merion Mercy has taught me to be the best student and the best person that I can possibly be. Through every year and every day at Merion, I learn more about myself, and I better understand the people around me. Merion has given me countless great opportunities. I would not change a thing about my high school life at MMA. I could not possibly wish for anything better.

Autumn Drake ’23 I am extremely grateful to be able to attend Merion Mercy as a Maguire Scholar. MMA has challenged me academically, and I have learned what more I can accomplish. My skills as a student, and particularly as a writer, are getting better and better. In my first year at Merion, I was introduced to new activities and things I never even knew of before. These opportunities have led me to discover my new love of theater through stage crew, and I am excited to serve on the Ministry Team. Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity I have at Merion Mercy to develop into the woman I want to become and for all the encouragement I have been given to push my boundaries.

Jade Kirby ’23 I am so grateful. I hold the Maguire scholarship very close to my heart. I still cannot believe how fortunate I was to be chosen as a Maguire Scholar while still only in grade school. Only by way of this amazing gift, I am able to attend Merion Mercy Academy. Here, I am blessed with the most incredible education, with friends who are my sisters, and with outstanding teachers and advisors. I love attending Merion where I will never be “lost in the sauce.” I felt like that once, but no more. Now I feel special because I know all my teachers care about me and about people like me.

Cecilia Lam ’23 I am grateful for everything that Merion Mercy Academy has given to me—a great education, a wonderful sisterhood, and an amazing community. I have met so many nice and kind people here, and I learn so much from each individual in this community. It is an honor and privilege to be attending this amazing school, and I am beyond grateful.

I am proud to wear this Maguire Foundation tee shirt, given to me by a Maguire Foundation representative who visited the Maguire Scholars at Merion Mercy in my freshman year. After hearing the story of Mr. Maguire’s life story, I was very inspired and encouraged. I think of that often.

Simone Neal ’23 As a Maguire Scholar at Merion Mercy, I have learned that I must keep trying and always persist in working hard. The staff and faculty are truly dedicated to motivating the students and to encourage each of us to achieve success finding our own individual way. If we miss the mark, our teachers encourage us to get back on track, helping us to understand what we need to do to reach our goals. I also am proud that I can contribute to furthering the work of the Mercy mission by sharing in important conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Shannon Pagan ’23 The photo is a picture of me working on a piece for my art class! For me, this wonderful opportunity to attend Merion Mercy is a dream come true. It was clear to me that the only other alternative I had was attending the public school in my area.

It was also clear to me that this public school would not provide the education I wanted and deserved. I searched for another option. Originally, when applying to various schools, I assumed that Merion was just too far out of reach. Then came the letter I could have never imagined: Notification of acceptance at Merion Mercy, including notification of scholarship funding from the Maguire Foundation. Such joyous news! I will forever be grateful that I was chosen as a Maguire Scholar. My outstanding education at Merion will impact the direction of the rest of my life.

Jada Boose ’24 I cannot thank the Maguire Foundation enough for providing funds for my tuition here at Merion Mercy. I assure you that your money is not going to waste. It is only through your help that I am able to go to Merion. I love everything about MMA, and my dance classes most of all.

Dancing is something I would never get to do if I were not at Merion. I feel like I am in a place where my dreams can come true.

Tasia Brice ’24 I cherish this opportunity to be a Maguire Scholar at Merion. Here, I have received a seemingly endless amount of support from my teachers. First semester of my freshman year was rough.

But the faculty and staff worked with me, providing many pathways for me to correct the course and to make things work out much better. Their understanding was just what I needed, and every day I am exceedingly grateful. We have a tremendous staff and faculty. No only do I feel like I belong, but my learning is the most interesting I have ever experienced. Classes are interactive, all while being safe and socially distanced. While I thought these Covid days at school would be difficult, it has not been. I am able to truly enjoy school. Our teachers and staff adapted to new ways of teaching and learning, and they are really keeping me totally focused and engaged. I am a happy Merion girl!

Nevaeh Cann-Sowell ’24 I am very grateful to the Maguire Foundation for this amazing opportunity to attend Merion.

Even though I am just in my freshman year, I have made new friends, and already, I have learned so much! Since I was very young, I have always loved to read and write, especially short stories. I also love drawing, photography, and volunteering. Traveling with my family is a special joy, but something that Covid has prevented. But my journey at Merion Mercy is something that Covid cannot stop. I so appreciate this opportunity to be a student at Merion. This journey is the best journey of all. I can't wait to see where it takes me in the future!

Jessica Glancey ’24 Despite all the unanticipated adjustments to our school this year, I could not think of a better place to be. Mrs. Farrell has ensured that students are learning while staying safe at school. I’m grateful for the teachers, staff, and all the people behind the scenes who have helped to keep us healthy and safe. I am particularly grateful that I just recently was able to start playing basketball for the MMA team. Merion has gone to extra lengths to bet a welcoming place for freshmen in this totally new situation. Now that we’re one semester in, I already feel confident in taking chances and finding new opportunities. I feel like my goals and the MMA goals are the same. I thank the Maguire Foundation for enabling me to find this new home.

Lucy Hatfield ’24 I am very grateful that I chose Merion and that I was able to actually attend this wonderful school, thanks to the Maguire Foundation. I have made lots of new friends, and I have found people who have similar interests through clubs and other activities. One of the things I like most about Merion is the variety in classes, cocurricular activities, extracurriculars, and clubs.

Everyone here has a place where they can feel welcome and express themselves. As a student very focused on visual and performing arts, I appreciate the many options I have—various art classes, theater programs, dance and singing groups. I am so happy to be here.

Gurvanshjot Kaur ’24 I am so proud to say I will be a graduate of MMA and that I will have this school as the foundation of my life and my career. The education, wisdom, and growth I have experienced at Merion Mercy will impact my life tremendously. I love every part of this school—the community, the diversity, the extracurriculars, and the awareness of current events—they all combine to make my Merion education the best gift of my life.

When I first came to MMA, right away I began to learn about my community, my friends, and the world around me. When I earned Distinguished Honors in my first semester, I started to believe I could do anything. Classes here can be hard, but Merion Mercy encourages us to take on challenges now and to be prepared for new challenges in our future.

MERION MERC Y ACA DE M Y 511 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066 phone: (610) 664-6655 web: merion-mercy.com