Mary Kate Gray Receives Outstanding Achievement Award from The Philo

Recent Merion Mercy Academy graduate Mary Kate Gray ‘23 was honored by the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute (The Philo) with its Outstanding Achievement Award. The organization provides the winner with a $1,000 scholarship and a plaque for the awardee and their school. 

Mary Kate was selected from among rowing team members from Catholic high schools in and around the Philadelphia area who participated in the 2022 Stotesbury Cup Regatta. Students of Catholic faith, who have excelled in rowing, scholastics, and demonstrate a spirit of service were eligible to apply. 

The Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute, headquartered in Stotesbury Mansion on Rittenhouse Square, was started in 1850 to educate immigrants and is the oldest ongoing Catholic lay organization in the United States. Over the past 170 years, the organization has continued its focus on education by offering scholarships to Philadelphia’s Catholic students.  

In addition to The Philo award, Mary Kate—who also played varsity basketball—was presented with Merion Mercy’s Senior Athlete Award for demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership throughout her time at MMA. She was also inducted into the exclusive Blue and Gold Club, reserved for elite MMA athletes who have made an indelible mark on their respective sports. 

Mary Kate will row at Cornell University this fall.