MARLINS MAKING HEADLINES

College Board National Recognition Program Awardees

Congratulations to the following students who received academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program for their strong performance in school and on assessments! 

National African American Recognition Program Award

Priscilla Agyare '26

Haleigh Cameron '25

Skylar Clark '25

Bryce Costa '25

Mattison Green '26

Nyaela Hakim '25

Jasmine Joseph '26

Macey McDaniel '26

Peyton Robinson '26

Sophia Segars '26

Cadence Washington '26

National Hispanic Recognition Program Award

Camilla Mendoza '26

Isabella Portillo '25

Through the National Recognition Programs, students verify their eligibility every year on BigFuture®: GPA of B+ (equal to at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) or higher; top 10% of PSAT/NMSQT® or PSAT™ 10 assessment takers in each state for each program or have earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP® Exams by the end of 10th grade; attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, or a first-generation college student. Students can submit during their Sophomore or Junior year and are awarded at the beginning of the next school year. Learn more at bigfuture.collegeboard.org/communities-events/national-recognition-programs.

Class of 2028 Officers

Shout out to the newly elected Freshman Student Government Class Officers: Sona Cranson, Adriana Dwyer, Rachael Ramjattan, Cameron Sanders and Gracie Sullivan!

Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Golf & Bowling Coach Vicky Kowalski and Swim Coach Mike Venos who were inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame on September 15th. Read more about Coach Kowalski here and Coach Venos here.

MERCY DAY & GRANDPARENT MASS

All School Mercy Day & Grandparent Mass

Tuesday, September 24

10:00am Arrival

10:15am Mass

Reception after Mass

You are invited to join us for Mass on Tuesday, September 24 at 10:15am in the Auditorium. We welcome all parents/guardians and grandparents to celebrate with us in recognition of Mercy Day and National Grandparents Day! You may sit with your Mercy girl and there will be a light reception following Mass. Tours will be also available to grandparents interested in seeing the school. 

Please spread the word to your Mercy family and worship with us as we pray for and pay tribute to our wonderful Mercy Grandparents in a special way. All parents and grandparents are kindly asked to RSVP online here. Additional event details will be communicated to attendees.

We look forward to celebrating with our Mercy Family!

OFFICE OF MISSION & MINISTRY

Service Opportunity Update

Mercy High School utilizes Mobile Serve to share upcoming service opportunities in the greater community. *Below is a list of upcoming service opportunities in the community.

Your daughter can view these opportunities and register through her Mobile Serve app. This is also where she will record her hours. Details for each event are located in the event list in the app. *Please note, Mercy staff are not present at these service events.

Mission and Ministry is hosting a Halloween Costume Drive sponsored by Glinda’s Closet—a Michigan-based nonprofit that distributes costumes to kids of financially strained families. Costumes will be collected now until September 26th, and donation bins can be found at the reception area, lobby, and in the Mission & Ministry office. 

Strangers No Longer Mass & Pilgrimage to Celebrate World Day of Migrants & Refugees

Student Advocacy group and Club, Strangers No Longer, will take a group of staff and students from Mercy to the Mass and Pilgrimage on Sunday, September 29 at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Pope Francis has given it the theme "God Walks with His People." At 2:30pm, we will begin a Pilgrimage around the Cathedral to bring light to the blessing immigrants are to our communities. At 3:30 PM, we'll celebrate a music-filled, multicultural, joyful Mass - a celebration of our universal Church in all its beautiful diversity! Please reach out to Mrs. Becker at mkbecker@mhsmi.org if you'd like to attend.

Making a Difference 365 Community Connections Fair

This is a reminder of the 9/13 communication to all families in regard to our upcoming Making a Difference 365 event during Spirit Week on October 2 at Mercy. The Community Connections Fair will bring dozens of non-profit organizations from across Metro Detroit to our school campus. This format is similar to a college fair, where students will visit tables, engage directly with representatives, and learn about each organization’s mission and volunteer opportunities. This new approach will deepen students' understanding of community needs and foster long-term service relationships. Additionally, while students wait to explore the fair, they will be involved in two impactful service projects right here at school:

• Fleece and Thank You: Students will make cheerful fleece blankets to be donated to children in local hospitals who are undergoing treatment.
• Global Health Charities: Students will prepare supplies for Clean Birth Kits, which contain essential items for safe and sanitary childbirth. These kits will be assembled at a Global Health Charities event and sent to underserved areas around the world, improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Kairos Retreat

The Class of 2025 is invited to attend a Kairos retreat during their Senior year November 12-15, February 4-7 or April 8-11. We welcome ALL Seniors to attend regardless of their religion or where they are on their faith journey. Kairos is a four day retreat Tuesday-Friday. A sign-up form was emailed to all Seniors. Please direct any questions to Mary Kate Becker at mkbecker@mhsmi.org.

Social Media

Be sure to follow @missionandministry_mhsmi on Instagram!

MOTHERS' CLUB

The Mercy Mothers' Club is excited to invite all Mothers/Guardians to our 2024-2025 school year Welcome Event THIS THURSDAY, September 19th at 7pm in the McAuley Academic (Media) Center.

Join us to learn about how you can get involved with this great group, including our social events, volunteer opportunities and as always, to support our daughters! Drinks and heavy appetizers will be served. There is a suggested donation of $20. Register here.

Please complete the online interest form here to indicate the areas you'd like to learn more about and lend a hand. Make sure to stay connected and follow on Facebook and Instagram. We look forward to meeting you! 

Sip & Shop Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to help with our popular annual Mothers' Club Sip & Shop event. Details and dates are to be determined, but with an established list of past vendors to contact the event almost runs itself. We'd love to have a few people join in this fun and profitable event! We will discuss more at our Thursday event, or you can contact mercymothersclub@mhsmi.org for more info and to participate.

B.A.S.E. BLACK COLLEGE & CULTURE TOUR

We are excited to announce our upcoming B.A.S.E. Black College & Culture Tour from February 17-23, 2025. This will be an unforgettable opportunity for our students to tour some of the South's most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and more. Our planned stops include:

• Xavier University of Cincinnati
• Kentucky State University
• Fisk University
• Tennessee State University
• Alabama A&M University
• Spelman College
• Meharry Medical College
• Clark Atlanta University

This tour will allow students to explore college campuses, speak with Admissions counselors directly, experience HBCU culture, and even meet Mercy alumnae currently attending these schools. The estimated cost for the tour, based on a quad room arrangement, is $1,700. The final package details and pricing will be available very soon. We are also planning fundraisers to help offset the costs for families, so stay tuned for more information on how you can participate!

We are thrilled to be hosting our 2nd Black College and Culture Tour, and we hope your student will participate in this incredible experience.

If you would like to donate to support our efforts and help make this trip accessible for all students, please visit mhsmi.org/donate. Select "Other" from the "Designation" section drop-down box, and input "BASE College Tour." Thank you for your continued support.Thank you for your continued support.

Please save the date, and we look forward to providing more details soon!

Mrs. Eleasha Tarplin

Dean of Student Affairs

B.A.S.E. Moderator

Mrs.Traci Smith

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

HRC Moderator

CEDAR POINT HALLOWEEKEND TRIP

Join us at Cedar Point for Halloweekends on Saturday, October 26, 2024! This thrilling trip is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the park's spooky attractions with your friends.

• Cost: $115 per person (includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, park admission, and snacks)
• Departure: 10:00 AM sharp from Mercy High School
• Return: 2:00 AM to Mercy High School
• Who can join: Mercy student, plus one female guest who doesn't attend Mercy
• Payment deadlines:
• A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due by September 23
• The remaining $65 is due by September 30

This is a first-come, first-served event, so don't wait! Reserve your spot as soon as possible; space is limited. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Mrs. Smith at tsmith@mhsmi.org or Mrs. Tarplin at edtarplin@mhsmi.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

For Mercy Parents/Guardians

Maroon & Gold Raffle

The 2024 Maroon & Gold Raffle family fundraiser is right around the corner. We are looking for adult helpers to prep the materials and other various duties for this all-school fundraiser. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here. Thank you for your consideration!

Auction

Additionally, we are forming a committee to help plan and organize Mercy High School’s biggest fundraising event, our 46th Annual Auction, which will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, MI. The funds raised from the Auction play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience of our students, from academic programs to extracurricular activities. 

Volunteering on the Auction Committee is a great way to get involved, meet other parents, and contribute to the success of this event. Whether you have experience in floral design, enjoy reaching out to local businesses, or simply want to lend a helping hand, your participation would be greatly appreciated. 

If you’re interested in joining the Auction Committee sign up here, or contact Nicole Mahjoory, Special Events Manager at nmahjoory@mhsmi.org or 248-893-3531. We will be holding our first meeting in Late September/Early October, and we welcome all levels of commitment. 

GOLF OUTING SUCCESS

THANK YOU to our golfers, generous sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for making the 34th annual Make a Difference for Mercy Golf Outing yesterday such a successful event. Congratulations to our big winners! Check out photo gallery by Kristina Sikora here.

First Place Outing Winners

Brian Paluk

Geoff Bores

John Samulak

Jerry Nozewski

Longest Drive

Men: John Tarquinto

Women: Andrea Safranski

Closest to the Pin

Men: John Bueno

Women: Andrea Safranski

52 Card Raffle 

John Faunce

LORE YEARBOOK

Secure Your Copy Today!

Yearbooks are available for purchase online here with code 13826.

Place a Yearbook Ad

The Lore Yearbook staff is very excited to capture memories of the year for our students, especially this year’s Senior Class.

Within Lore every year, the families of the graduating class have the opportunity to purchase ads to celebrate their students with a personalized message and photo. This opportunity is available again this year. Ads must be purchased by December 8, 2024 to appear in the yearbook, so don't delay!

There are various sizes and price options for these ads, ranging from a full-page ad ($325) to a sixteenth-page color ($25). To design and purchase an ad for your graduating senior, please visit the order website (job number: 13826) and follow these instructions:

1. Choose the size ad you would like to create.
2. Select student when prompted for whom to buy the ad.
3. Enter your student’s name. Please use her full name as it appears on PowerSchool, not a nickname.
4. Choose whether you would like to create the ad online or send the message and photos to the Lore staff to make the ad. 
5. Follow all of the prompts and instructions to complete the ad.

Seniors: Take Your Yearbook Portrait at Prestige

Seniors must have their yearbook photo taken at Prestige Portraits by October 25, 2024 to be pictured in the yearbook and the class composite. Pose must be picked by November 15, 2024. To schedule your Senior portrait session, visit http://www.prestigeportraits.com/studio or if you need further assistance, please call (248) 427-1002. The dress code is modest neckline, no strapless or low cut tops. Those who do not comply with the dress code or deadlines will not be included in the yearbook and class composite.

Please feel free to contact the Lore Yearbook staff with any questions at mercylore@mhsmi.org.

MARLIN ATHLETICS

Big Week in Marlin Sports

Come out and support your Marlins! Check Athletic calendar here for events.

Save the Date for Powerderpuff Flag Football Game

Don't miss the Class of 2025 as they take on St. Catherine in the 2nd Annual Powderpuff Flag Football game Friday, October 25 at 7pm at The Hawk. Seniors were emailed player team info and practice details.

Follow Marlins on Social Media

Be sure to follow Mercy Athletics on Instagram @mercyathletics, Facebook @mercymarlinsathletics and Twitter@mhsmiathletics. GO MARLINS!

FROM THE DESK OF NURSE ATTAWAY

Seasonal Illness

Fall has arrived and so has the season of allergies, colds and the flu. Last week, students were emailed tips for staying healthy. In an effort to keep our Mercy community well, your support is greatly appreciated in ensuring that ill students do not attend school. Current CDC guidelines treat COVID illness similar to any other respiratory illness. Unwell students should isolate and not resume normal activities, including a return to school until they are fever free (without taking fever reducing products) for 24 hours. Students are encouraged to wear a well fitted mask for five days upon return to help control virus spread. 

Any COVID diagnosis should be reported by a parent/guardian to Nurse Attaway at pattaway@mhsmi.org. Please include your student’s name, grade and the date that symptoms began. It is also important that the student communicate with teachers regarding missing assignments and coordinate the date to make up tests, quizzes, etc...

Register for the Flu Vaccination Clinic at Mercy

Mercy will host a free influenza vaccination clinic in partnership with the Michigan Community Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Alana's Foundation. 

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

1:00pm-3:00pm

Mercy High School Gym/Auditorium Lobby

A separate consent form must be completed (in its entirety) for each person who will be vaccinated. Parents must complete and sign the form for anyone under the age of 18.

• Complete consents online here: https://alanas.vna.org
• Clinic ID: 2463
• Passcode: ALANAS2024
• Select Mercy High School as Clinic
• Complete form and consent

On the day of the flu vaccination clinic, bring a copy of your insurance card. Alana’s Foundation will cover the cost for those without any insurance. We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity for your daughter(s) and/or your family. Free $5 Target gift card with every dose, while supplies last!

Please consult with your family physician regarding any questions about the vaccine. All U.S. flu vaccines are trivalent for the 2024-25 season. Ages 2+ are eligible to receive a shot at our clinic.

COLLEGE PLANNING

Juniors & Seniors: Upcoming College Visits at Mercy

September and October are "College Months" at Mercy where colleges and universities will be visiting the school to share information with interested students. We have many schools already scheduled to visit and your participation is highly encouraged!

Parents can reference the college visit list here. Please note this list will be continually updated. Students are asked to log on to SCOIR to check out the college visit calendar and sign-up.

College Fairs & Financial Aid Webinar

See list and links below for upcoming college fairs in the area where you can explore colleges, meet representatives and learn about special programs.

• Catholic Central HS is hosting a College Fair on Thursday, September 19 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Learn more here.
• Saint Louis University is offering a Financial Aid 101 Webinar on Thursday, September 19 at 7:00pm. Learn more and register here. They will also be hosting a FAFSA Presentation on Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm. Learn more and register here.
• Christian College Fair, co-hosted by Parkway Christian School and Oakland Christian School will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Woodside Bible Church in Troy. Learn more here.
• Notre Dame on the Road event will be held Wednesday, September 25 at 7:00pm at Marian High School. Learn more and register here.
• Alfred Street Baptist Church invites you to the country's most exciting and largest HBCU Festival held virtually on Friday and Saturday, November 8 - 9. Attend seminars, scholarship info, meet HBCU reps at no cost. Learn more and register here beginning September 9.

CONNECT TO MERCY MEDIA

Social Media

Connect to @mercyhighmi, @mercyathletics, @mercyperformingarts and @missionandministry_mhsmi on Instagram. Plus, show your own Marlin pride and use the Marlin giphy stickers available on Instagram by searching @mercymarlins when you post to stories! Don't forget to follow @MercyHighSchoolMI, @MercyMarlinsAthletics and @MHSMIPerformingArts on Facebook. Check out list of social media accounts here.

Mobile App

Be sure to download and use the Mercy mobile app designed to enhance communication and engagement between our school, parents, students and community! You’ll find quick access and links to resources with the click of an icon. 

To get started:

• Visit the App Store or Google Play
• Search for "Mercy High School - MI"
• Download and install the app
• Open and explore

Compelled by our Catholic faith and the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy High School is a premier college preparatory school that educates and nurtures young women of diverse backgrounds to excel academically, serve compassionately, and lead courageously.