MARLINS MAKING HEADLINES

Back to Back Swim & Dive State Champions

Mercy Swim & Dive won their second consecutive MHSAA Division II State Championship on November 23, 2024. Marlins had incredible depth dominating the competition winning by 120 points. The Marlins were led by Ella Hafner '28 and Avery Tack '27 who each contributed 34 points. Campbell Shore '27 followed close behind with 33 points, winning Mercy's only individual state championship in 100 Yard Freestyle. Read more here and check out Oakland Press feature here. Way to win, Marlins!

Ethnic Bazaar

What an amazing celebration of culture, community, and tradition at our memorable 2024 Ethnic Bazaar! Thank you to HRC, performers and guests for making this event so special. Explore memorable moments in the photo gallery by Kristina Sikora here and check out full performances here.

Alana's Foundation Flu Vaccination Clinic Top School

Congratulations, Mercy - We were named the winner of the 9th Annual Alana Yaksich Catholic School Flu Vaccination Challenge! This is our second time capturing the trophy for most doses distributed. Special shout out to Nurse Attaway for all her energy and efforts.

INVEST IN HER FUTURE THIS #GIVINGTUESDAY

Join the global movement! Every donation made today will be matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000 by Dr. Cheryl Delaney Kreger '66 & John Kreger. Empower Mercy girls to thrive and make your gift today.

Spread the word to family and friends!

Ways to Give:

Online: mhsmi.org/giving-tuesday

Text2Give: Text Mercy to 243725

MISSION & MINISTRY

The Roots of Jesse

As the Christmas trees begin to adorn our space, we wanted to draw special attention to the tree in the Reception Area. This tree of significance was sponsored by our Mothers’ Cub who worked in partnership with the Office of Mission and Ministry. The Jesse Tree has strong roots within the Catholic faith and depicts the lineage (family tree) of Jesus and the Prophecies of Jesus’ birth. If you look closely, there are 25 colorful ornaments on the tree. 

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 want to offer special thanks to the Mercy Mother’s Club for bringing this tradition to Mercy. Each ornament was sponsored for $25 with proceeds benefiting our Kairos retreat. 

We invite you to journey along with our Jesse Tree beginning December 1st. The related scripture passages are below.

December 1: Earth - The Light in Creation - Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-4

December 2: Apple - Adam and Eve - Genesis 3:1-24

December 3: Rainbow Inside the Ark - Genesis 6:5-8, 7:17-23, 9:16, Romans 6:23

December 4: Tent  - The Call to Abram - Genesis 12:1-7

December 5: Camel - Count the Stars - Genesis 12:2

December 6: Ladder- Jabco’s Ladder - Genesis 28:10-17

December 7: Lamb - Isaac and the Lamb - Genesis 22:1-13, John 1:29b

December 8: Commandments - Moses and the 10 Commandments - Exodus 32:15-18, 20:1-20, Psalm 119:11

December 9: Coat - Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors - Genesis 37:3-36, 50:18-21, Romans 8:28

December 10: Wheat- Ruth and Boaz - Ruth 1:16, 2:5-7, 4:14

December 11: Noah’s Ark - Noah and his family Genesis 6:9

December 12: Scroll - Jacob Finds the Law - 2 Kings 23:1-3, Psalm 119:105

December 13: Stump - Prophecy of Shoot from the Stump of Jesse - Isaiah 11:1-5, John 1:14a

December 14: Lion - Prophecy of the Lion and the Lamb - Isaiah 11:6-10

December 15: Dove - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6-7, John 14:27

December 16: Hammer - He can’t stay away - Matthew 1:23

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

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen. (Henri J.M. Nouwen)

Foundation Day Mass & Youth Mercy Association Induction

You're invited to Mercy High School for our Foundation Day Mass Thursday, December 12 at 10:15am in the Auditorium. Worship with us as we celebrate the Sisters of Mercy Foundation Day and induct our new Youth Mercy Associates.

Bibles & Bagels

Our student led Bible Study will continue during Advent. Join student leader Brandy Cavanaugh on December 10 and December 17 for a mini series the Gospel of Luke's narrative of Jesus' birth.

MOTHER'S CLUB SPONSOR A TREE SUCCESS - THANK YOU!

A huge thank you to Kristen Bell and all the amazing Mercy Moms who brought the holiday spirit to life by decorating the stunning Christmas trees around our school! We are also deeply grateful to our generous sponsors for making this festive tradition possible. Your support and kindness mean so much!

$500 Tree 

Hines Park Lincoln

Mercy Volleyball Program 

In honor of Jeanne Caponi

$350 Tree 

Mercy Varsity Dance Team 

Jamilah Wright - State Farm, Farmington Hills 

Kristen (Kluska) Heintz ‘95, Jena (Kuska) Metropulos ‘97, Carrie (Kluska) Shaurette ‘00

$200 Jesse Tree Ornament

There are still Jesse Tree Ornaments available. If interested, email kebell522@yahoo.com.

Patricia Thull O’Brien

Ellen Daly Venos ‘62 

The Liddell Family 

The Schueneman Family 

$150 Wreath 

The Paluk Family 

NEIMAN MARCUS HOLIDAY SIP & SHOP

Support Mercy Annual Auction

Join fellow friends of Mercy High School on Thursday, December 5th from 6:00 - 9:00pm at Neiman Marcus Troy for an exclusive evening to kick off the Holiday Season. Enjoy sips and snacks and learn about the hottest gifting items. Shop your gift list and receive complimentary gift wrapping on all purchases made during the event. This is a great opportunity to purchase an item to donate to our Annual Auction!

Please RSVP here. If you have any questions, or have more than two guests, please reach out to Nicole Mahjoory at nmahjoory@mhsmi.org or 248-893-3531.

MOTHERS' CLUB MERCY ONLINE HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP

The Mercy Mothers’ Club is excited to offer a Mercy Merch Holiday Pop-up Shop! As the festive season approaches, indulge the Mercy enthusiasts in your life with exclusive Mercy merch available in our temporary online pop-up shop. Discover unique Mercy goodies from renowned brands like Carhartt and The North Face. Hurry - shop closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 4!

PERFORMING ARTS HOLIDAY SHOWS

Mercy Mimes A Silent Night

You are cordially invited to A Silent Night featuring our very own Mercy Mimes on Saturday, December 7th at 6:30pm in the Drama Studio. This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! Christmas cheer, holiday treats and an evening of laughs. Please enter through the Gym/Auditorium Lobby.

Christmas Concert

Come enjoy the sounds of the season at the annual Christmas Concert Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00pm in the Auditorium. Featuring music of Christmas, other cultures, solos, small groups, Varsity Chorus, Mercyaires, cello, piano and more! Donations welcome. Enjoy holiday treats after the show. Contact Mrs. Abha Dearing at adearing@mhsmi.org with any questions.

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! 

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!

#WINATSOCIAL FAMILY HUDDLE

Prior to Thanksgiving break, we hosted with our students during Adviser Group the introductory #WinatSocial Student Orientation Lesson: Taking Control Of Our Health, Happiness, And Future Success, Students participated in a challenge to better understand the effect that online distractions can have on our effort to focus. This can be especially impactful when doing homework or concentrating on other important activities. 

With their peers, students discussed balancing tech and minimizing distractions. We encourage you to follow-up with your daughter with this week’s Huddle-Up question: Do you have a favorite strategy, like using Focus Mode or setting a certain limit using the Screen Time feature to help you better balance your online activity?

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.

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

END OF SEMESTER DATES & POLICIES

All students were emailed the following end of semester dates and policies to help plan in the preparation for final exams, papers, projects and presentations.

Friday, December 6 - Test day for any last test/quiz/formal assessment in ANY Science, World Language, or Physical Education course. 

Monday, December 9 - Test day for any last test/quiz/formal assessment in ANY Math, Religious Studies, or Performing Arts course.

Monday, December 9 - World Language Orals begin.

Tuesday, December 10 - Test day for any last test/quiz/formal assessment in ANY Social Studies, Computer Science, or Art course. 

Tuesday, December 17 - All final English papers are due by this date. 

Tuesday, December 17 - All class assignments should be graded and posted by midnight for ALL courses, except for Final Exams, Essays, Projects, and Presentations.

December 11 - 17

The five days prior to exams should be assessment free for students to prepare for final exams, complete final projects/presentations, and prepare for world language orals. Students can be assigned classwork but not extensive homework these days.

Final Exams Dates

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

Final exams are given on the assigned test day and time unless, for serious reasons and under rare circumstances, other arrangements have been made with Administration. Students must initiate that request two weeks before the date by completing and submitting this form to be signed by the parent, verifying the need for a change in test time, accompanied by appropriate documentation (i.e. medical documentation, airline tickets, etc.). The request must be approved by the Associate Principal of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Students, and the teacher involved.

Students can rearrange their final exams to ease their load on the 3,4,5 day or two hard finals on one day by changing the day/hour (but not to finish earlier). Please work with your teachers and request they send an email notification, approving this arrangement to Ms. McMaster. Make sure to thank your teacher for accommodating this request.

Final Exam/Essays/Project/Presentation Policy

Final Exams/Essays/Projects/Presentations will be weighted 20% of the final grade in ALL classes except for some courses in the Performing Arts and Art departments. All Final exams/Essays/Projects/Presentations will be a common final assessment (exam, project, paper). This will be implemented in ALL courses. Exams need to be at least 75% the same for all students taking the course. The other 25% can be determined by each individual teacher.

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.

Please note: 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. 

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.