Celebrating the Class of 2022

from Mercy Matter Summer 2022

by merionmercy

Fashion Show

CLASS OF 2022

116 66

TOP 3 INTENDED MAJORS 14

GRADUATES COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN 25 STATES

$24,253,840 343

BIOLOGY/HEALTH SCIENCES NURSING PSYCHOLOGY 733

GRADUATES COMMITTED TO COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

IN SCHOLARSHIP MONEY MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS (76 OF 116 STUDENTS REPORTING)

LETTERS OF ACCEPTANCES TO 172 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

A few MMA legacies gathered before graduation: Susan Cobaugh Steinmetz ’93 and Julianna Steinmetz ’22, Nicole Perretta Elguicze ’91 and Megan Elguicze ’22, Heather Tunnell-Fili ’98 and Madison Fili ’22, Tara Keohane Scherf ’94 and Fiona Scherf ’22, Emma Carter ’20 and Kierstyn Carter ’22, Patricia O’Connell ’67 and Lucy Curry ’22

With passionately pained hearts and deep roots in compassionate, joyful, resilient, and ingenious Mercy, I have no doubt that this class will change the world.

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL RECOGNITION

More than 1.6 million students are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program each year, with only 50,000 of these students earning Commended status.

MMA students recognized this year are:

Grace Donnelly Kelly O’Connor Violet Lorei Grace Sheibley Justine Medveckus Almira Tensuan-Eli

The College Board National African American Recognition Program evaluates students based on their PSAT/NMSQT test scores and their academic record.

This year the program recognized Autumn Drake.

The College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program evaluates students based on their PSAT/NMSQT test scores and their academic record through their junior year.

National Hispanic Scholars this year are:

Isabel Nieves Emily Ramirez

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes those students in the top three percent of the class at the end of the first semester senior year.

The students representing Merion Mercy Academy are:

Grace Donnelly Grace Sheibley Violet Lorei Almira Tensuan-Eli

The Excellence Medal for Highest Cumulative Achievement: Almira Tensuan-Eli

Excellence medals were also presented for highest achievement in each of these subjects:

Art: Monica Paschos

Honorable Mention: Suvanant Dang English: Almira Tensuan-Eli

Honorable Mention: Susanna Merkins

French: Juliana Brueckner Latin: Kaylah McGuffie Mathematics: Grace Sheibley

Honorable Mention: Grace Donnelly Performing Arts: Nina Thompson Science: Grace Sheibley

Honorable Mention: Violet Lorei Social Studies: Margaret Carr Honorable Mention: Grace Donnelly Spanish: Violet Lorei

Honorable Mention: Monica Merenda Theology: Monica Paschos

I see here and now, this light is in each of your eyes. Eager, nervous, maybe just a little tired, but in all ways ready to take the next step. In everything you do, you will carry this light with you.

—from Almira Tensuan-Eli’s Graduation address In recognition of her outstanding academic and athletic achievements, which have set an example for those who follow her, the Scholar Athlete Award was presented to Monica Merenda.

14 COLLEGIATE ATHLETES FROM THE CLASS OF 2022

On screen: Megan Mallon, Rutgers University, Crew Top row from left: Brynn Donnelly, Fairfield University, Lacrosse; Kelly O’Connor, Georgetown University, Field Hockey; Maeve McMahon, University of Notre Dame, Crew; Justine Medveckus, Duke University, Crew; Jessica Sack, Susquehanna University, Volleyball; and Caroline Schrieber, Indiana University Bloomington, Crew Bottom row from left: Shea Callahan, Rutgers University, Crew; Amy Werner, University of Texas at Austin, Crew; and Samantha Szlachta, Duquesne University, Crew

Olivia Tingley-Kelley, Brown University, Crew, and Catherine Voegele, Villanova University, Field Hockey Francesca Scarpone, Immaculata College, Basketball, and Kara Krouse, King’s College, Softball

CLADDAGH AWARDS

The Irish Claddagh is a symbol befitting the cultural heritage, corporal works, and spiritual legacy of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. Depicting a pair of hands holding a heart topped by a regal crown, the claddagh’s three elements form a kind of trinity. The heart represents hospitality and compassion. The hands—service and care. The crown—leadership and fidelity to one’s cause. Merion Mercy Academy celebrates the ways in which these features similarly embody its students’ exceptional character and achievement.

The Heart of Mercy Award: Damya Walton

The Service Award: Katherine Gallone

The Loyalty Award: Manaii Beckwith

Shayon Qiani Adams Cabrini University Grace Emily Arnott The University of Tennessee Margaret M. Avellino The Catholic University of America Manaii Eilana Beckwith Xavier University of Louisiana Erica Mary Belden College of the Holy Cross Madison Louise Brady Thomas Jefferson University Juliana Claire Brueckner Skidmore College Xaria Denay Burgess Arizona State University Shea Margaret Callahan Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Claudia Vivian Campisciano The University of Scranton Margaret Sofia Carr College of the Holy Cross Kierstyn Lily Carter Texas Tech University Kiersten Jewel Claxton Hofstra University Erin Kathryn Corbett University of Delaware Lucy Louise Curry Virginia Tech Mya Grace D’Adamo Drexel University Suvanant Cathaleeya Dang Villanova University Mary Grace Dempsey Drexel University Grace Elizabeth Dever The Pennsylvania State University Sydney Fan Devine The University of Maine Bridget Anne Devlin West Virginia University Erin Mae Devlin The Pennsylvania State University Emani Mai DiCriscio Ursinus College Brynn Catherine Donnelly Fairfield University Grace Elizabeth Donnelly Florida State University Megan Elizabeth Elguicze Clemson University Anna Victoria Ferdinand Temple University Madison Abri Fili College of Charleston Sofia Teresa Folgia Savannah College of Art and Design

CLASS OF 2022

Bridget Elizabeth Freind The Catholic University of America Emma Nikole Friel West Chester University of Pennsylvania Willoughby Dugald Galbraith The Pennsylvania State University Katherine Rose Gallone Loyola University Maryland Nina Lauren Gilbert Spelman College Shana Elizabeth Gilmour The George Washington University Caroline Abigail Grogan The Catholic University of America Zoë Elizabeth Gusikoff Savannah College of Art and Design Ashley Morgan Hackney Carnegie Mellon University Emily Patricia Harris Temple University Maeve Hegarty Purdue University Alexa Kathleen Hofmann The Pennsylvania State University Kiley M. Hopkins Florida State University Cailynn Rose Hunt Saint Joseph’s University Gabriella Krista Infante The Pennsylvania State University Naina Lahreá Portia Jenkins Drexel University Erin Teresa Kirk Duquesne University Fiona Nicole Kirk The Catholic University of America Kara Lynn Krouse King’s College Bridget Elizabeth Lain Fairfield University Jiayin Li Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Jessica Emily Link University of Pittsburgh Mary Kathryn Lopresti Loyola University Maryland Violet Christine Lorei Clemson University Margaret Reilly Lourie Goucher College Megan Elizabeth Mallon Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Emily Bridget McFadden Saint Joseph’s University Nyla McGill Neumann University Kaylah Dorothy McGuffie Neumann University Mallory Claire McHale University of Delaware Meriden McHugh McLaughlin Villanova University Maeve Catherine McMahon University of Notre Dame Justine Jane Medveckus Duke University Monica Grace Merenda New York University Susanna Kathryn Merkins Lehigh University Pianruo Miao American University Wanruo Miao American University Hannah Margaret Mishinkash University of Pittsburgh Carly Alexa Morris Rollins College Sara Brooke Much Duquesne University Emily Anne Murphy The University of Scranton Molly Rose Murphy Loyola University Maryland Isabel Rosa Nieves University of Connecticut Caroline Emily Norton Temple University Kelly Anne O’Connor Georgetown University Olivia Eleanor Opiela West Chester University of Pennsylvania Eleanor Margaret Paller New York University Sydney Shirin Parson Colorado School of Mines Monica Rose Paschos La Salle University Liseth Mejia Perez Villanova University Alana Theresa Petrongolo University of Miami Lauren Grace Pippett James Madison University Isabella Grace Privitera Saint Joseph’s University Sydney Anne Purcaro Miami University Emily Vanessa Ramírez University of Southern California Maxine Kirby Rich Xavier University Keira Theresa Rigo Fairfield University Jessica Taylor Sack Susquehanna University Breya Desiree Scarlett University of Delaware Francesca Scarpone Immaculata University Fiona Nora Scherf The Pennsylvania State University Juliette Rose Schmidt Thomas Jefferson University Caroline Reilly Schrieber Indiana University Bloomington Molly Elizabeth Scullin University of Delaware Madison Lynne Serembus University of Delaware Grace Catherine Sheibley Boston College Maura Elizabeth Smith The Pennsylvania State University Nyla N. Smith College of Charleston Kiera Marie Songhurst Gap Year Julianna Faith Steinmetz The Pennsylvania State University Molly Elizabeth Sweeney University of Pittsburgh Samantha Szlachta Duquesne University Ava Catherine Tedeschi Providence College Almira Constance Tensuan-Eli The University of Chicago Nina Dominique Thompson Dickinson College Olivia Marie Tingley-Kelley Brown University Moira Grace Vaughan Syracuse University Emily Ann Veasey Ursinus College Olivia Rose Verratti Florida Atlantic University Naomi Catherine Viola College of Charleston Catherine Grace Voegele Villanova University Damya Mikal Walton Widener University Amy Elizabeth Werner The University of Texas at Austin Kristen Ann Wharton Loyola University Maryland Emma Leigh Whitman The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kristen Elise Williams Ursinus College Sophia Laura Zarett American University

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

COMPUTER SCIENCE FEMALE DIVERSITY AWARD

Merion Mercy has earned the College Board’s AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles. This award acknowledges schools for their work toward equal gender representation. Out of more than 18,000 secondary schools worldwide, Merion Mercy is one of only 760 schools to be recognized.

MOCK TRIAL ADVANCES TO STATES

For the second year in a row, the Merion Mercy Mock Trial gold team advanced to the state tournament, which includes the top 14 of more than 250 teams throughout Pennsylvania. Once again, our team finished in the top eight! Merion Mercy Mock Trial also made history this year by sweeping the Delaware County District Finals in which the blue and gold teams were declared cochampions.

The team is moderated by former Social Studies teacher and Interim Dean of Students Mr. Paul Clementi, JD, who notes, “The success of the team would not be possible without the dedication of gold team coach John Dougherty (husband of Jackie Caserta ’03), and blue team coaches Katie Dolan ’14 and Casey Robinson ’15.”

Members of the Mock Trial Gold Team. Front: Kiera Everly ’24, Simone Waheed ’22, Molly Murphy ’22, Bella Privitera ’22; Back: Ashley Ciampitti ’23, Emma Whitman ’22, Grace Donnelly ’22, Olivia Tingley-Kelley ’22, Juliana Stienmetz ’22, McKenna Foody ’23, Ava Tedeschi ’22

ScubaDIVAS PLACE THIRD IN SEAPERCH COMPETITION

Each year the Honors Physics class participates in the SeaPerch competition. Teams of students design and build a remote-controlled underwater vehicle to complete a mission and navigate an obstacle course. One team represents MMA in the Philadelphia-area competition, where they are judged on a technical design report, presentation, and pool performance. This year’s competing team, the ScubaDIVAS, took third place in the presentation and third place overall. Congratulations to Deirdre Donaher ’23, Violet Lorei ’22, Patricia McCarthy ’23, Emily Ramirez ’22, and Giada Viola ’23.

Giada Viola ’23, Emily Ramirez ’22, and Deirdre Donaher ’23 with their SeaPerch at the Philadelphia competition. (Not shown: Violet Lorei ’22 and Patricia McCarthy ’23)

COLLABORATION WITH OTHERS

Finale of this magnificent show

“ANASTASIA”

Merion Mercy Music Theater (MMMT) put on a fabulous musical production of “Anastasia” in the spring, selling out its closing weekend! Due to Covid-19 concerns, performances were held at Rosemont College’s Rotwitt Theater. During rehearsals in February, MMMT had the opportunity to discuss the show with the Broadway touring cast of “Anastasia” in a Zoom meet-up.

Cast photo with new Director of Theater, Chris Monaco (bottom left)

“PUFFS”

Live, indoor theater productions returned to MMA in the fall with Puffs, a comedic retelling of the Harry Potter book series. The November show was staged in the PWC at school with Mr. Chris Monaco making his directorial debut with MMMT.

The Hufflepuffs’ mantra, “Third or Nothing!”

ATHLETICS

The 2021-22 school year provided many opportunities for the Merion Athletic Department to showcase its resilience and grit with success stories both at the individual and team levels. All told, the teams amassed 19 AACA (Athletic Association of Catholic Academies) All Star and 24 All Main Line Team recognitions for the year. • Field Hockey advanced to the first round of states, earning a top 20 ranking for Pennsylvania high schools. • Volleyball and Lacrosse reached the district playoffs. • Basketball had its first winning season in six years (12-10), culminating in a successful district tournament run. • Softball finished the season ranked fourth going into the district tournament, earning a first round “bye” and ultimately, falling to their opponent by a narrow margin. • Crew teams shined at both the Stotesbury Regatta—where the

Varsity Light 4+ and Varsity 4+ captured silver medals—and City

Championships—where the Varsity Light 4+ and Varsity 4+ banked gold medals and the Second Varsity 8+ and the Freshman 8+ earned silver. At the Scholastic Rowing Association of America

National Championship, the Varsity Light 4+ took home a gold medal. The Varsity 4+ and the Freshman 8+ both qualified and placed fifth overall in the finals. To close out the season, the

Varsity 4+ and Varsity Light 4+ earned spots to compete at

USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Fla. in June, with the Varsity 4+ finishing ninth overall out of all the national scholastic and club teams competing.

COLLABORATION WITH OTHERS

Lacrosse team celebrates 100th goal of standout Brynn Donnelly ’22.

State ranked top 20 field hockey team

Softball team bonds throughout a memorable season, including a trip to Pigeon Ford, Tenn.

STANDOUTS:

Ashley Gomes ’24 advanced to PIAA state singles tennis after winning AACA league and District 1 2A singles tournaments. Marianne Cheely ’23 made program history as the overall individual winner in all of the regular season cross country meets. She and Claudia Campisciano ’22 both finished in the top 10 at districts and ran in the state meet. Violet Lorei ’22, Kelly O’Connor ’22, and Mia Longo ’24 all qualified for the PIAA state swim meet. Brynn Donnelly ’22 scored her 100th career goal in lacrosse, and along with Kelly O’Connor ’22 and Kerry McCormick ’23 were recognized as AACA All Stars and named to the Pennsylvania Area School Girls Lacrosse Association All-Academic Team. AACA All Star Simone Waheed ’23 placed second in the 100 meter dash during the AACA league track meet, qualifying for districts. Senior softball players Alexa Hofmann, Hannah Mishinkash, and Kara Krouse were named AACA All Stars. Lucy Curry ’22 was named to AACA Basketball All-Stars First Team. Field Hockey seniors Kelly O’Connor and Cate Voegele were named to AACA All Stars First Team. Soccer’s Mary Kate Lopresti ’22 was named to AACA All Stars First Team.

Varsity Light 4+ crew team—Megan Mallon ’22, Caroline Szlachta ’23, Grace O’Connor ’24, Samantha Szlachta ’22, and Dillan Grimes ’24— took gold at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship Regatta.

Varsity 4+ crew team—Amy Werner ’22, Caroline Schrieber ’22, Justine Medveckus ’22, Mary Kate Gray ’23, and Olivia TingleyKelley ’22 won gold at the City Championships.

COMPASSION & SERVICE

MMC freshmen made many backpack lunches for Kids Against Hunger. Dominique Chojnacki-Silva ’25 paints a new friend’s face at the Harvest Festival at the Community Center at Visitation in Kensington. Garden planting at MyPlace Germantown with Emily Powel ’25 and Kaitlin Angelucci ’25.

MERCY MISSION CORPS

This year, Merion Mercy created the Mercy Mission Corps (MMC), an organization that provides opportunities for students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumnae to put their faith into action through service. MMC unites all service initiatives and programs under the same umbrella, helping ensure that the school’s multifaceted outreach opportunities maintain greater balance and that partnerships are guided by our Catholic and Mercy identity.

MMC includes the longstanding service club Kate's Girls and also organizes several opportunities with newer partners. One of the major efforts undertaken this year was participating more fully in events at the Community Center at Visitation, from monthly family dinner nights to their seasonal festivals. Our roots run deep with this organization as MMA’s Parents Association gathers donations for our “Mothers Cupboard,” which contributes directly to CCV’s food pantry. A monthly casserole program partnership with Face to Face Germantown has provided another way for families to get involved with service. Other student projects have included preparing planting beds at a community garden, packing meals for Kids Against Hunger, and beautifying neighborhoods. Connecting with the Sisters of Mercy has also been a priority.

Also under the MMC umbrella is the 2022 MMC Summer Program (formerly known as the Mercy Volunteer Program), which brought 30 rising seniors together for weekly experiences at sites in West Virginia; Kensington, Pa.; and Camden, N.J. Students also participated in one-day service experiences with the Share Food Program in Philadelphia.

Providing toiletry bags for Project Home

Theology teachers Dr. Kyle Thompson and Dr. Mike Sims prepare to deliver food bags to the Community Center at Visitation. Annelise Fresta ’23 and Manaii Beckwith ’22 share in their excitement for Mercy Day 2021.

MERCY DAY

On Mercy Day the entire school community participated in several service projects that entailed making and delivering food and basic necessities to our neighbors in need across the Philadelphia region.

GLOBAL VISION & RESPONSIBILITY

The 2021-22 Mercy Girl Effect theme was Drawing from the Well of Mercy. This collaboration between MMA and other Mercy schools raised $70,000 for the purchase of wells in Nigeria and other communities in need.

Megan Elguicze, Bridget Devlin, Jessica Sack, Alexa Hofmann, Erica Belden, and Madison Fili sporting the senior yellow attire.

Front: McKenzie Blackmon ’25, Naomi Hines ’24; 2nd row: Amaia Gibson ’25, Ti’Yan Driggins ’23, Zipporah Sills '23 ; 3rd row: Sophia Myers ’25, Ayanna Jones ’25, Jade Kirby ’23, Kamani Kegler ’23, Layoni Baldwin ’23; Back: Le’yanna Mainor ’24 Seniors Isabella Privitera, Maeve Hegarty, and Margaret Carr share their sisterly love.

EMPOWERING GIRLS’ VOICES

In partnership with the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, the Empowering Girls’ Voices program brings together students from across the globe for a series of civic engagement workshops. Simone Waheed ’23, Maria Shapson ’24, Ava Kennedy ’24, Shan Pagan ’23, Sylvia Barnes ’23, and Almira Tensuan-Eli ’22 participated in this program and shared what they learned, including facilitation skills, with the broader community.

By engaging students from different backgrounds in meaningful dialogue, the community aims to help them develop empathy for the perspectives of others and build the skills and confidence needed to empower a generation of female changemakers.

Over the course of the school year, students deliberated on pressing global issues, explored political and structural barriers to equity, deepened their understanding of existing campaigns for change, and worked together to create meaningful solutions.

MINISTRY TEAM AWARDED STUDENT GLOBAL CITIZEN GRANT

Merion Mercy’s sophomore Ministry Team won the 2021–22 Moulton Student Global Citizen Grant from the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. The students wrote and submitted the Drawing from the Well of Mercy-themed Mercy Girl Effect project that aims to build wells in Nigeria so that young women who spend all day fetching water for their community can instead focus more time on education.

Sophomores Christine Link, Jennifer McMonagle, Emily Oliver, and Mackenzie Williamson presented their work and were recognized at the Global Forum on Girls’ Education III in Boston in June. Also serving on the ministry team were Emily Kallmeyer and Dillan Grimes

At the ICGS Global Forum, sophomores Christine Link, Jennifer McMonagle, Emily Oliver, and Mackenzie Williamson met keynote speaker Leymah Gbowee, Liberian peace activist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

SPITIRUAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Senior Liseth Mejia Perez finds her ornament on the tree. Seniors enjoy holiday treats after this traditional Christmas event.

CAROL NIGHT

This time-honored tradition included a night of Christmas songs and hymns and the Nativity Tableau. Seniors and their parents shared holiday treats and the Christmas spirit at the reception that followed.

Seniors Shea Callahan, Sydney Purcaro, Kierstyn Carter, Monica Paschos and Molly Sweeney as Mary with Alexander Thompson, son of theology teacher Dr. Kyle Thompson, as Baby Jesus.

MOTHER/MOTHER-FIGURE AND SENIOR MASS AND TEA

The traditional Mother/Mother-Figure and Senior Mass and Tea included a beautiful liturgy, luncheon, pinning ceremony and reflections that centered on these most special relationships. In her remarks, Laura Farrell said, “You will realize over the course of your life, the many ways you have been marked by your mother’s love. Like the perfect love the Holy Mother had for her son, a mother’s love is unconditional. Nothing can separate you from this love, not age, not time, not distance.”

Megan Norton and daughter Caroline Nicole Peretta Elguicze ’91 and Megan giving the reflection at the tea.

Top: Carly Morris and mom Debbie, Jiayin (YoYo) Li and Guardian Debbie Platzkere; Front: Annie Merkins and mom Suzanne, Molly Murphy and mom Colleen

Raphaella Autieri, Olivia DeLucca, Sara Wimmer, Mackenzie Cassidy, Ella Donnelly, Lily Denn, and Olivia Foran Layoni Baldwin receives her ring from former Head of School Laura Farrell. Ryan Grant prays the “Our Father” with her Mercy sisters at Mass.

RING MASS

The Class of 2023 celebrated the joyful tradition of Ring Mass.

Juniors Patricia McCarthy, Catherine McDonald, Mariel O’Leary, Ashley Ciampitti, Tessa Purcell, and Nadia Vaquer Seniors Maeve Hegarty, Sydney Parson, Naina Jenkins, and Bridget Devlin Juniors Simone Waheed and Makayla Johnson