Guided by Mercy: New Awards Celebrate Student Character

Each year, Merion Mercy Academy concludes the school year with an awards ceremony that traditionally begins by recognizing academic excellence across all grades and disciplines. While classroom achievement remains a vital part of our mission, Merion’s commitment to educating the whole student extends far beyond academics. This year, the school proudly introduced a new category to the ceremony: the Mercy Education Core Values Awards. As Dean of Students Maya Johnson ’12 shared, “Mercy is not just part of our school name, but an integral aspect of the student experience here at Merion. Mercy is who we are.” In that spirit, these awards honor 20 students—one for each of the five core values in every grade—who exemplify the principles that shape our community and guide our graduates: Compelled by Mercy, Educational Courage, Inspired by Faith, Principled Leadership, and A Voice for Dignity and Respect.

Compelled by Mercy.  The recipient of this award, in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, is steadfastly determined to take Mercy into an interconnected world.  Her sense of social consciousness is fortified by universal empathy and a conviction that all are worthy of God’s mercy.  This deep awareness and compassion move her to take principled action and serve the needs of others in the classroom and beyond.  

• Freshman: Abigail Vereen
• Sophomore: Allison Mazur
• Junior: Colette Remy
• Senior: Maggie Judge

Educational Courage.  The recipient of this award welcomes challenges, pursues her full potential, and demonstrates excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity in the classroom. Her multifaceted educational journey has built both character and essential skills. The recipient of this award exhibits engagement, a thirst for knowledge, and personal responsibility.   

• Freshman: Emma Anthony
• Sophomore: Moriah Anderson
• Junior: Elizabeth Bailey
• Senior: Grace Lourie

Inspired by Faith.  This student is a living model of faith and demonstrates Gospel values.  Grounded in our Catholic identity in the Mercy tradition, she is welcoming and inclusive in the classroom, clearly cultivating friendships across the sisterhood.  She follows and reflects  Jesus’ example of social justice, love, and service as she pursues a personal relationship with God.  

• Freshman: Grace Schmidt
• Sophomore: Bridget Oliver
• Junior: Anna Myers
• Senior: Emily Powel

Principled Leadership.  This student leads by sharing her unique gifts in the classroom.  She consistently demonstrates a strong ethical and moral compass, puts Mercy values into action, and works assertively for what is right.  She has shown her ability to make difficult choices, learn from mistakes, and exhibit high emotional intelligence.  

• Freshman: Ella Keshishian
• Sophomore: Nicolette Whitehawk
• Junior: Cecilia Corr
• Senior: Justine Weng

A Voice for Dignity and Respect.  This student honors the intrinsic value of the individual and recognizes God’s presence in each person.  She embraces a global vision, values differing opinions, and is unafraid of challenging conversations in the classroom.  She goes beyond mere acceptance to ensure that everyone feels recognized and heard.  

• Freshman: Mirakel Moore
• Sophomore: Khloe Williams
• Junior: Stacey Reese
• Senior: Josey Doherty

By honoring students who embody the Mercy Education Core Values, Merion Mercy Academy affirms its mission to prepare young women not only for academic success, but for lives of faith, compassion, courage, and leadership. These 20 students reflect the best of who we are and who we hope to become—a community rooted in Mercy, committed to justice, and inspired by purpose. As this new tradition takes hold, it stands as a powerful reminder that character and values are as worthy of celebration as any report card or test score.