Merion Mercy Academy Graduate Honored with Outstanding Achievement Award

Recent Merion Mercy Academy graduate Samantha Hendrzak ‘25 has been honored by the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute (The Philo) with its Outstanding Achievement Award. The organization provides the winner with a $500 scholarship and a commemorative plaque.

Samantha was selected from among Catholic high school students in the Philadelphia region who competed in the 2024 Stotesbury Cup Regatta. Eligible students are committed to their Catholic faith, demonstrate excellence in rowing and academics, and embody a spirit of service.

This spring, Samantha was featured in a video produced by Merion Mercy, reflecting on her deep commitment to rowing and her experience as a student-athlete. Her dedication—both on the river and in the classroom—has made a lasting impression on the Merion community.

Founded in 1850 to support the education of immigrants, The Philo is the oldest active Catholic lay organization in the United States. Based in the historic Stotesbury Mansion on Rittenhouse Square, the organization has spent more than 170 years promoting education through scholarships for Catholic students in Philadelphia.

Reflecting on the honor, Samantha shared, “With this award, it feels like everything is falling into place—both my work on the river and in the classroom. It’s all been tied up with a bow!”

In addition to The Philo award, Samantha received Merion Mercy’s prestigious Scholar-Athlete Award at graduation. This fall, she will continue her academic and athletic career as a member of the rowing team at the University of Notre Dame.