MARLINS MAKING HEADLINES

Youth Mercy Associates

Our Mercy High School community gathered for a beautiful Foundation Day Mass, honoring the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. Together, we embraced the values of faith, service, and compassion that guide us every day. A special congratulations to our Youth Mercy Associates who made their commitments during this meaningful celebration. Your dedication to living out the Mercy values inspires us all! Mass photo gallery by Kristina Sikora here.

New Commitment

Sophia Ahmet

Norah Boyle

Brandy Cavanaugh

Khloe Duneske

Alexa Guss

Kaitlyn Hastings

Nyaela Hakim

Bradleigh Hill

Catie Kuchta

Sybil Lecoutre

Sofia Razny

Jada Roberts

Sasha Roberts

Sophia Segars

Ryan Townsend

Ede Van Hoof

Renewed Commitment

Priscilla Agyare

Sydney Augustine

Emily Capatina

Bella Casab

Maeve Casey

Mackenzie Conway

Shaila Cranson

Grace Cretu

Grace De Klerk

Ava Eliya

Owynn Evans

Chandravadana Koneru

Jenna Matigian

Macey McDaniel

Mackenzie McDaniel

Marta Meehan

Keira McNutt

Sydney Meyer

Evelyn Miller

Olivia Murphy

Tess O'Donnell

Lupita Ortega

Marie Schueneman

Addison Schwarzenberg

Liliana Sturgis

Hailey Thostenson

Isabelle Van Hoof

MISSION & MINISTRY

The Roots of Jesse

The story begins in Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” We invite you to journey along with our Jesse Tree reflections.

December 17: Cross - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant - Isaiah 53: Luke 2:8-18, John 19:11-18, 10:15

December 18: Heart - Prophecy of the New Covenant - Jeremiah 31:31-34, Acts 16:31

December 19: Tower - The Warrior Leader - Joshua 3 & 6

December 20: Fire - The Exile - Daniel 3:19-29, Jeremiah 1:8

December 21: Brick - The Return to the Land - Nehemiah 1:3, 2:18, 6:15, 16 Malachi 3:1, Revelation 22:20

December 22: Crown - The True King - 1 Samuel 16

December 23: Candle - The Light of the World - Luke 1:26-38, 2:32, John 8:12

December 24: Angel - Angels Proclaiming the Coming of Christ - Hebrews 1:14, Luke 2:8:14, Romans 6:23

December 25: The Baby Jesus - The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-10, John 3:16 -17

Sneaker Recycling Event: Donate Your Athletic Shoes

Mission and Ministry has partnered with Got Sneakers to host a sneaker (athletic shoe) recycling event when we return from break! We’re accepting athletic shoes in any condition—the only requirement is that they must be paired together. Shoes that are no longer wearable will be recycled and repurposed into other materials, reducing waste and helping the environment. If you’d like to clear out your athletic shoes before the Christmas break, drop them off with Mission and Ministry. Proceeds from this initiative will support our service trip program. Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community and beyond!

Summer Service Trips

Mission and Ministry is pleased to announce two service trips this summer. More information coming soon.

• Nazareth Farm - Mrs. Bagazinski and Mr. Klueg will take a group of rising juniors and seniors (Class of 2026 and 2027) to Nazareth Farm in West Virginia from July 13 - July 19. Approximate cost will be $600.00. Scholarships are available.

• ARISE Adelante - Mrs. Bennetts and Dr. Kline-Kator will take a group of students (Class of 2026, 2027, 2028) to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas to work alongside two other high schools sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. ARISE is a ministry run by the Sisters of Mercy. This trip will occur June 14 - 21. Approximate cost (which includes airfare) is $750.00. Scholarships are available. There will be a Zoom meeting January 9th at 7:00pm to learn more about this trip. Sr. Jenny Wilson will be the host and explain the project and answer any questions before the application process begins.

M-HUB CENTER FOR CONNECTION & COLLABORATION READY FOR USE

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of our community from the 2024 Auction Principal's Pick, we renovated N-13 into a state-of-the-art academic hub, promoting innovation, excellence and college preparedness to connect our students with real-world experiences.

Now known as the M HUB Center for Connection & Collaboration, this 1,500-square-foot space is ready to be a dynamic center for classes, meetings, events, and collaborative activities that inspire innovation and learning.

Renovation project highlights include:

• Two 98” Viewsonic 4K LCD display 
• New sound system including speaker microphones
• New furniture with functional rotating chairs and tables with power stations for devices
• New LED lighting, window treatments, ceiling, paint and carpet
• Adjustable height presenter podium with touch display screen for digital annotation
• Flexible speaker furniture to accommodate one presenter or a panel of professionals
• Two-way conference capabilities 
• Upgraded heating and cooling systems

REMINDER: END OF SEMESTER DATES & POLICIES

Final Exams

Wednesday, December 18

1st hour: 8:30 am - 9:50 am

2nd hour: 10:00 am - 11:20 am

Thursday, December 19

3rd hour: 8:30 am - 9:50 am

4th hour: 10:00 am - 11:20 am

5th hour: 11:30 am - 12:50 pm

Friday, December 20

6th hour: 8:30 am - 9:50 am

7th hour: 10:00 am - 11:20 am

All academic areas during final exam times are off limits. The academic hallways are silent zones and there should be minimal traffic. The Cafeteria and MAC are to remain quiet to allow students the opportunity to study. Students are not to be released early from an exam. Students are to remain in their exam classrooms until the bell rings, indicating the end of the exam. Students arriving early for their final exam should not head to the academic hallways until the previous final is released.

• Attire: During final exams you are allowed to dress comfortably, this includes sweats, pajama bottoms, and even leggings/yoga pants. IDs must be visibly worn during final exam days.
• Coming & Going: During final exams you are not required to sign-in or out and you are able to come to school for your exams and leave when you are done. If you do not have any exams on a particular day, you do not need to come to school that day.
• Doors: The Flagpole door will lock at 8:30am. After 8:30am use the Auditorium/Gym Lobby door or the Reception Area doors only. The far left Auditorium/Gym Lobby door will remain unlocked until 30 minutes into the last exam. You may exit out of the Auditorium/Gym Lobby or Flagpole doors only throughout the day.
• Cell Phones: While final exams are going on you may not use your cell phones in the hallways or in classrooms. Make sure cell phones are on silent (not vibrate) during final exams. The completion of final exams for the day (after 2nd hour on Wednesday, 5th on Thursday, 7th on Friday) marks the end of the school day.

Saturday, December 21 - Thursday, January 2 - PowerSchool will be turned off on Saturday, December 21, and turned back on Thursday, January 2. The purpose of turning off PowerSchool is to give students and staff a true break over the holiday. Staff are not expected to answer emails during the Christmas holiday. Emails can be sent, but staff may not respond until they return to school on Monday, January 6, 2025. Classes will start for students on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Wednesday, January 8 - First semester grades will be reviewed, double-checked, and posted by teachers at 9:00 am. Final grades will be stored and posted to transcripts/report cards by 3pm Friday, January 10. 

VIP DANCE

Presented by the Junior Class

SAVE THE DATE! The annual VIP Dance (formerly known as the Daddy Daughter Dance) has been a tradition at Mercy for decades. It is an opportunity to share a meaningful moment with a VIP in your life–fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc.

This year, the VIP Dance will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 8-11pm in the Mercy gym. The VIP Dance is not just a dance, but it is the chance to have some fun with your loved ones through entertainment, activities, music, food, and so much more! Ticket info coming soon.

PARENT SPEAKER EVENT: DR. LISA DAMOUR ON EMPOWERING DAUGHTERS

Now more than ever, our daughters are navigating a world that demands strength, resilience, and purpose. To help parents guide their daughters through these formative years, Marian, Mercy, Regina, and St. Catherine high schools are proud to present a special event: Empowered Her: Building Resilient, Confident Daughters. Join us for an evening with Dr. Lisa Damour, renowned psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and consultant to Pixar for the film Inside Out 2, as she shares practical tools and insights to help you empower your daughter to thrive in high school and beyond.

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Time: Doors Open, Light Refreshments & Book Signing at 6:00PM; Presentation at 7:00PM

Location: Kingsley Hotel Ballroom

Tickets: $20/Person (online registration coming soon)

The evening promises to be a wonderful opportunity for reflection, learning, and connection as we work together to inspire our young women to succeed in an ever-changing world. Dr. Damour will explore timely topics in a meaningful and spiritually grounded perspective.

• Resilience & Coping: Navigating disappointment, setting healthy boundaries and building self-confidence
• Kindness & Friendship: Managing healthy relationships among peers and parents
• Social Media: Understanding the impact of social media and guiding healthy usage 
• Female Empowerment: Strengthening self-esteem and advocating for oneself

In addition to the parent event, Dr. Damour will also be visiting Marian, Mercy, Regina, and St. Catherine on February 26, 2025, to present directly to students. During this school-day assembly she will dive into many of the same themes, offering guidance tailored to our faith-filled students’ experiences. 

Stay tuned for more information on how to access the parent ticket pre-sale and secure your spot for Dr. Damour’s powerful presentation. Learn more about Dr. Damour at drlisadamour.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

VOTE FOR CLASS OF 2025 CHRISTMAS TREE

Tyner Furniture Ann Arbor

Officers, students and the moderators of the Class of 2025 invite you to vote for the Christmas tree that they decorated at Tyner Furniture in Ann Arbor (located at 3900 S. State St. on the corner of State and Ellsworth). From now until December 31st, guests visiting the store have the opportunity to place a vote in the box next to the Mercy tree. One vote per adult is allowed, with the opportunity to earn an extra vote if you contribute to Toys for Tots. There will be cash prizes awarded to the trees that get the most votes. Thanks for supporting the Class of 2025! 

LORE YEARBOOK - Deadline Extended for Senior Ads!

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. We are extending the deadline for ads until the end of January to accommodate families who are still waiting for their senior photos. However, we appreciate it if you can purchase your ad sooner than later.

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.

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

JOIN THE SANP COMMITTEE

Let’s give our amazing Class of 2025 the ultimate send-off with the Senior All Night Party (SANP)! This cherished Mercy tradition is the perfect way for our Seniors to laugh, cry, and make unforgettable memories with their classmates before embarking on their next big adventure.

The SANP happens because of YOU! 

The Senior All Night Party Parent Committee from all grades (Freshman through Senior) runs the event's planning, coordination, and facilitation. Whether you’re ready to lead the charge or want to help with a specific area like Entertainment, Gift Bags, Security, Food, or Decorations, there’s a spot for everyone.

Good news:

Last year’s SANP Event Chairs are happy to share their playbooks and meet with the committee to help get you started! They have created a resource-packed binder with maps, vendor info, and pro tips to help make planning a breeze.

Mark your calendars:

The party typically happens on graduation night—this year, that’s Sunday, June 1, 2025. It’s been held at Mercy High School and Joe Dumars Fieldhouse (now closed), but offsite venues like Tree Runner Adventure Park or Urban Air Adventure Park are also possible. Have you got ideas? We are open to fresh suggestions, too!

Ready to jump in?

Complete interest form here by Wednesday, December 4, to start the planning! Questions? Email Colleen McMaster at cmcmaster@mhsmi.org.

Let’s make this night one to remember - the Class of 2025 is counting on YOU!

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE MERCY AUCTION

Save the date for the 46th Annual Mercy High School Auction will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Saint John's Resort in Plymouth, MI. Join us for a wonderful evening to benefit Mercy. We hope you will find a meaningful way to join us in Celebrating the Mercy Spirit by attending, sponsoring or donating. Learn more at mhsmi.org/auction.

2025-2025 AOD TUITION ASSISTANCE APPLICATION & RESOURCES

Application

The 2025-2026 AOD Tuition Assistance Application will open on December 16, 2024, and close on February 28, 2025. Parents may visit the Detroit Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance webpage here for application information.

Parents should reference the Parent information Document here for details regarding the application and contact FACTS Customer Service at 866-315-9262 for individual application questions.

For Catholic Families only:  All awardee families must be current members of a Catholic parish within the Archdiocese of Detroit. Your Pastor’s signature on the form here is required to complete your application. Forms must be turned into your school’s office by February 28, 2025. Non-Catholic Applicants do not need to turn in a Pastor Signature Form.

Parent Webinar Information

New for the 2025-2026 AOD Tuition Assistance application, the Department of Catholic Schools alongside FACTS Grant & Aide will be hosting three webinars for parents. These webinars will be a chance for applicants to fully understand the application requirements and ask any questions they may have. These webinars will be recorded and posted on the Tuition Assistance page of the Detroit Catholic Schools website.

You can submit a question here prior to the webinar.

• Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
• Registration link
• Wednesday, January 8, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.
• Registration link
• Wednesday, february 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
• Registration link

AOD RISE "FINDING PEACE"

A Gathering of High School Youth in Detroit

In the spirit of Unleash the Gospel, the Archdiocese of Detroit invites 9-12th graders to attend RISE Detroit 2025.

Sunday, February 2, 2025

9:00am - 7:15pm

Mercy High School

Standard Admission: $35 for all participants: teens and adults. Includes lunch and dinner!

Teens must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (youth minister, high school campus minister, teacher, pastor, parent, etc...) The speakers include: Mari Pablo, Bishop Monforton, and Fr. John Shi. Activities include: keynotes, powerful music, worship experiences, two workshop opportunities, small group discussion, and Liturgy.

Learn more and register at risedetroityouth.org.

CONNECT TO MERCY MEDIA

Photo Gallery Webpage

Check out the photo gallery webpage featuring Google Photo albums from a variety of school events! Relive the memories and catch highlights from recent activities, celebrations, and more.

Visit mhsmi.org/photo-gallery to explore the moments that make Mercy special! Keep checking back as we continue to add new albums. (Photo Credits: Majority of photos by Kristina Sikora, with some contributions by others.)

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.